Wronecka engages with women’s groups in Tripoli ahead of Women’s Day

In anticipation of International Women’s Day, Joanna Wronecka, the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, along with Gielan Elmessiri, the U.N. Women’s representative in Lebanon, engaged with youth, women’s groups, and non-governmental organizations in Tripoli. These groups are actively involved in empowering women and girls, fostering peace, and promoting social stability through inclusive political dialogue and economic empowerment.

Wronecka expressed her admiration for the influential women across Lebanon dedicated to creating more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable communities. She emphasized the importance of enhancing the rights and participation of women and girls, especially during crises, to harness the full potential of all citizens in Lebanon.

During her visit, the Special Coordinator interacted with young individuals at Azm University, who discussed the socio-economic challenges affecting their education and job prospects, particularly in Tripoli, and expressed their hopes for positive change across Lebanon. At the Ruwwad Al-Tanmeya Center, she learned about peacebuilding initiatives, including efforts to unite youth from different sectarian backgrounds.

Wronecka also met with local women’s NGOs funded by the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF), where the conversation centered on increasing women’s political participation and their role in peace and security. Additionally, she attended a performance titled “I dream of dreaming,” which featured Lebanese and Syrian women. This event was organized by Seenaryo, Women Now for Development, and U.N. Women as part of a project aimed at empowering women to lead peaceful dialogues and foster inclusion within their communities.

Elmessiri praised the courage and dedication of those they met in Tripoli, highlighting their role as a source of hope for a more equitable society that values and upholds the rights and voices of all women.

The U.N. has reaffirmed its commitment to the inclusion and empowerment of women and girls as a key component of its broader efforts to support peace, security, and development in Lebanon.