On 11 November, UNIFIL officials met with dozens of women from South Lebanon to listen and discuss ways forward to support women of the south. This was part of the Global Open Days on Women, Peace, and Security organized by peacekeeping and special political missions around the world to bring women in conflict and post-conflict countries together with UN and government officials to talk about their concerns and priorities on peace and security.

This year, UNIFIL organized three preparatory workshops in the southern cities of Marjayoun, Bint Jbeil, and Tyre with the theme of “The Effects of Lebanon’s Multi-faceted Crises on Women.” Since 2019, Lebanon has faced severe economic, political and health crises, often disproportionally affecting women. This event created a space for civil society organizations, local women and UNIFIL to share their ideas and recommendations on how to support women through these difficult times.

UNIFIL Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Aroldo Lázaro attended the event and spoke to participants, reiterating the Mission’s intent and efforts to find practical solutions to empower and support women of South Lebanon. Major General Lázaro thanked the women and civil society organizations for their hard work and their trust in UNIFIL and the United Nations.