Every year on March 8, women around the globe celebrate International Women’s Day—not just as a festive occasion but as a reminder of an ongoing struggle for gender equality and justice. It is a day that carries stories of hardship and perseverance, but also one of hope and change.

Challenges Facing Women Worldwide and in the Arab World

Women everywhere continue to face countless challenges, from domestic violence and workplace discrimination to unjust laws and deeply ingrained traditions that hinder their dreams. In some countries, girls are still denied education, women are forced into early marriage or subjected to female genital mutilation, and many are stripped of the right to make decisions about their own lives.

In the Arab world, despite notable progress, many women still battle a long-standing patriarchal mentality that excludes them from decision-making roles and confines them within traditional societal expectations.

Women in Lebanon: Incomplete Rights and Unjust Laws

Lebanon, a country that prides itself on freedom and openness, still struggles with laws that fail to reflect principles of justice and equality. One of the most glaring issues is the personal status law, which falls under the jurisdiction of religious sects, effectively making women subject to the rulings of religious leaders on matters of marriage, divorce, child custody, and inheritance—without any guarantee of gender equality.

When it comes to protection from violence, Lebanese laws remain riddled with loopholes. For example, Article 503 of the Penal Code criminalizes rape but does not recognize marital rape, effectively granting husbands unchecked control over their wives' bodies. While Article 522, which once allowed rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims, was partially repealed, its existence remains a stain on the justice system. Sexual harassment was not explicitly criminalized until 2020, and even now, the penalties are weak, making it difficult for women to prove cases of harassment or assault.

Women in Politics: Absent from Decision-Making Positions

Despite Lebanon’s relatively democratic landscape, women remain grossly underrepresented in politics. The deep-rooted patriarchal mindset and lack of laws enforcing fair representation have kept women on the sidelines. The adoption of a women’s quota has become a pressing necessity to ensure fair participation in decision-making roles—after all, a nation cannot be governed solely by male perspectives.

Women’s Rights: Nationality, Work, and Personal Freedoms

Lebanese women are still deprived of a fundamental right: the ability to pass their nationality on to their children, a privilege granted exclusively to men. In the workforce, gender pay gaps persist, with women often earning less than men for performing the same jobs. Beyond economic rights, personal freedoms remain a battleground—whether it’s a woman’s right to choose her attire or make personal decisions, including those regarding her body and relationships, on equal terms.

Women’s Empowerment in the Arab World: Steps Toward Change

Despite these challenges, some Arab nations have begun taking concrete steps toward empowering women. In Saudi Arabia, recent years have seen groundbreaking reforms, including lifting the ban on women driving, expanding their role in the workforce, and increasing female representation in leadership positions. In the UAE, women have emerged as key players in government and business, setting a regional example of female empowerment.

The Role of Women’s Organizations in Lebanon: A Continuous Struggle

In Lebanon, feminist organizations play a vital role in defending women’s rights and challenging discriminatory laws. These groups raise public awareness, provide legal and psychological support to survivors of violence, and push for legislative reforms. However, despite their tireless efforts, the road to real change remains long, particularly given the lack of political will to implement substantial reforms.

A Message to Every Woman

On this International Women’s Day, remember that you are not alone. The struggles of women across the world are interconnected, and every step you take toward securing your rights paves the way for others. You deserve a life of dignity, a voice in decision-making, and the freedom to live without fear. You deserve to dream, to achieve, and to reject being treated as a second-class citizen.

Keep fighting—because you deserve every right, without compromise.

May you always be stronger, bolder, and closer to the justice you seek.