Project: Voter Literacy Youth Hub for Inclusive Democratic Participation in Lebanon

Youth participation is essential to strengthening democratic governance and inclusive electoral processes in Lebanon. However, many young people, particularly first-time voters, have limited access to structured civic education on electoral systems, citizenship rights, democratic values, and political participation. These challenges are compounded by Lebanon’s prolonged socio-economic difficulties and limited opportunities for meaningful youth engagement in public affairs. Women, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups face additional barriers, including social norms, limited representation, accessibility challenges, and violence against women in politics.

Funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) through the Lebanese Electoral Assistance and Parliament Support Project (LEAPS), the project builds on the Arab Institute for Women’s (AiW) expertise in gender equality, women’s rights, research, education, and capacity development at the Lebanese American University (LAU). It also draws on the AiW’s experience delivering capacity-development programs through LAU’s Academy of Continuing Education (ACE), including the Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance (GDHA) Associate Diploma. The project combines comprehensive voter literacy training with the establishment of a Voter Literacy Youth Hub to create both immediate and sustained opportunities for civic engagement.

The AiW will develop a Voter Literacy and Civic Engagement curriculum comprising five training courses and 25 sessions covering democratic principles, human rights, citizenship, electoral systems and voting rights, gender equality, women’s political participation and leadership, and violence against women in politics. The training will reach 100 youth and first-time voters, both women and men, from Lebanon’s eight governorates through participatory and inclusive learning approaches, including thematic modules, peer learning, case studies, practical exercises, and leadership activities.

Building on the training experience and networks developed through the program, the Voter Literacy Youth Hub will provide a sustainable platform for continued civic learning, peer-to-peer voter education, networking, and youth-led engagement beyond the project period. The Hub will bring together the curriculum and learning resources developed through the project, alongside voter literacy materials, awareness products, and opportunities for continued interaction through digital platforms. Participants will be encouraged to act as civic multipliers within their communities by sharing information, supporting local initiatives, and developing youth-led communication and civic engagement activities.

Gender equality and inclusion will be integrated throughout the project, with particular attention to women’s political participation, barriers facing marginalized groups, accessibility, and awareness of violence against women in politics. The project will promote meaningful participation of women, engagement of men as allies for gender equality, safe spaces for dialogue, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities and marginalized communities.