Project: “Supporting Women on Board of Syndicates, Universities, and Boards of Organizations”
We at AiW have partnered with the Lebanese League for Women in Business on the project, SUPPORTING WOMEN ON BOARD OF SYNDICATES, Universities, and Boards of Organizations, Phase 2, funded by the UK Embassy (FCDO). This project is designed to advance gender equality, diversity, and inclusion within universities with the aim to train women to hold board and leadership positions in any institution. The project entailed a needs assessment on gender equity and women on boards where a Gender Action Plan to support women on boards and in decision-making roles was put in place. Along with that, a training program for women on diverse topics including gender equality, leadership, communication, and others were administered. After that 11 women were selected to become certified directors through specialized training. This was followed by a communications campaign to support women running for leadership positions. A high-level closing conference titled: “The Status of Women on Boards in Lebanon” was held upon completion of the project.
1. As part of this project, and as per the commitment letter signed between LAU/AiW and LLWB, we undertook a Gender Audit Assessment. We at LAU are pioneers in this regard where the Arab Institute for Women wrote the first gender equality plan in 2017. After that we worked closely and in partnership with the office of Title IX and several entities at LAU to launch the 2022 Gender Equity Plan (GEP) which analyzed gender equity across the institution and formulated a first set of recommendations to improve LAU’s goals in this regard. The last iteration of it was presented at a public event in June 2024.
In light of this long heritage of advancing gender equality and to complement this initiative, the AiW in partnership with the Office of Title IX launched an ILO-certified Participatory Gender Audit (PGA) that aimed at assessing, on the basis of ILO standards, the level of Gender equality in the institution and to further embedding and mainstreaming gender in its policies, practices and operational culture. Conducted by an external consultant/gender auditor, the PGA assisted LAU staff, faculty, and students to assess and strengthen their understanding of how to integrate gender issues in their day- to-day work.
The findings of the audit were mainly drawn from LAU stakeholders’ own perceptions and recommendations on the way forward, based on a Desk review of existing policies, documents and products, as well as interviews and Focus Group Discussions with a range of relevant stakeholders at LAU. The findings reported on good practices already underway and identify areas for improvement together with recommendations.
2. Training Program: A training program was conducted for 43 women (staff and faculty) from LAU. The program covered topics, including women on board law, diversity, gender equality & inclusion, women’s rights in the workplace, & communication skills.
3. One-on-One Mentorship Program: Out of the 43 participants, 11 were selected for a tailored one-on-one mentorship program, consisting of five sessions with experienced mentors. These sessions aimed to enhance their skills and knowledge in preparation for future board positions.
4. ESA Certification: Following the mentorship sessions, the 11 participants proceeded to the ESA Certification phase, during which they obtained two certifications: