WHY THE SEXUAL HARRASSMENT POLICY & LEGISLATION INITIATIVE?
Sexual harassment has been a long-standing issue in Lebanon, and to date, very few survivors had the structural support to be able to report. For years, numerous groups, feminist organizations, NGOs, and activists have fought tirelessly to lobby for protections in the workplace and at the national legislative level. When a formulation of the law has finally passed in Lebanon, in December 2020, the sexual harassment policy & legislation initiative was quickly launched to partner with employers and increase awareness on their responsibilities and on key steps on how to implement it within the workplace.
OBJECTIVES
MARCH 8th AWARNESS CAMPAIGN
To mark 2021 International Women's Day on March 8, a new campaign was implemented focussing on the new landmark Anti-Sexual Harassment Law in Lebanon, also known as Law No. 205. Social media platforms highlighted key areas in need of further development in the law itself and the workplace by showcasing strong infographics and factsheets about sexual harassment as well as the specifics of Law No. 205. During the campaign, 17 employer-pledged videos were shared, featuring Aramex, Technica, Beesline Apitherapy, Al Baba Sweets, Flyfoot, Holdal Group, Malia Group, Phenomenal Women, AM Bank, Al-Kayan NGO, AUBMC, Berytech, American University of Beirut, LLWB, Abaad NGO, Bank Audi, and Deloitte Middle East.
HANDS-ON EXECUTIVE WORKHOPS
The center and partners also designed a two-day live and interactive Executive Workshops for employers to help them develop internal policies and codes of conduct and align themselves with Law No. 205 as well as transnational best practices. The workshops were divided into two sessions: the first session was an Introductory session on Law No. 205 and its implementation in the workplace; the second had hands-on legal and HR experts, with feedback Zoom Breakout Rooms and group discussions of the parameters that facilitate or impede implementation of the policies drafted by employers. Experts included Judge Ayman Ahmad, Maitre Danielle Hoyek, Dr. Rhea Jabbour, Dr. Youmna Makhlouf, Dr. Lina Daouk, Dr. Brigitte Khoury, and Ms. Mitra Tauk.
JUNE CAMPAIGN
A national employer-focused public awareness campaign addressing employers directly, and calling for the implementation of Law No. 205. was launched in June 2021 to build support for the recently passed the law within Lebanese Parliament with efforts from partners and funders.
FUNDERS
The sexual harrassement policy & legislation initiative was made possible through generous funding of UN Women, UNDP, the Government of Canada , and the Government of Sweden.
PARTNERS
Our milestones have been made possible thanks to the partners we have worked Lebanese League for Women in Business (LLWB), ABAAD and SEEDS. These partnerships are critical to the commitment of making the workplace a sexual harrassement-free zone.
PRINCIPLE INVESTIGATOR