Project: “Increased Capacity of Women Organizations Through the Implementation of the Associate Diploma in Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance”
The Arab Institute for Women (AiW), through the Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) at LAU, given funding from the Embassy of Cyprus in Lebanon, offered an Associate Diploma in Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance (GDHA). The Associate Diploma consists of a technical training for applying a gender perspective to development and humanitarian programming, based on three focus areas: (1) gender in conflict – addressing the women, peace, and security agenda; (2) integrating gender in development programming; and (3) gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response. It provided practical skills needed to address the full range of gender issues in development and humanitarian contexts in Lebanon, the Arab region, and even beyond. The main objectives of the project were as follows:- Developing an enhanced curriculum tailored to the needs of the target groups
- Improving the capacity of these groups in addressing gender issues
This year, the GDHA program was provided to two cohorts, each including 15 participants. The participants are mid-career professionals, activists, staff members in feminist and aid non-governmental organizations in Lebanon, and individuals working in the field of gender equality. They enrolled in 10 courses, for a total of 100 effective learning hours between April and September 2025. The courses offered are the following:
- Gender equality and human rights
- Gender and development
- Gender in emergencies
- Integrating and mainstreaming gender
- Gender and data
- Gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response
- GBV holistic care
- GBV coordination
- Women, peace, and security
- Women in post-conflict and recovery
The training program adopted an interactive approach for the exchange of knowledge and expertise between participants and trainers. It helped participants develop their skills and capacities in terms of gender awareness, as well enhance their ability to assess the latest human rights developments in light of the regional and global challenges.
The GDHA programme concluded with a closing event and graduation ceremony held on December 16, 2025, marking the successful completion of the training cycle. The day was intentionally structured into two complementary parts, combining academic consolidation with institutional recognition and public engagement.