American University of Beirut

Equal Employment Opportunity

​​​​​​​​​​​CALLING ADVOCATES FOR EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

In today's challenging environment, fostering a workplace that values and practices Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is not just a responsibility; it's a strategic imperative. Discrimination, workplace bias, and systemic violence cannot be eradicated without an EEO legislation that is enforced and monitored across the formal economies in our region. EEO legislation and policies ensure that employees are treated fairly, irrespective of their personal characteristics, such as gender, race, religion, age, disability, among others. Such legislations provide a framework to encourage organizations to embrace the richness of diversity in background, talents, and perspectives and foster an inclusive, dignified, and respectful environment that thrives on equity and equality.

EEO WORK PACKAGE

Our work is structured around three phases, with each phase having a crucial role in creating a comprehensive and impactful approach to EEO. 

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PHASE 1: IN-DEPTH REVIEW OF MENA EEO LEGISLATION

Our team has curated a comprehensive database, in the form of a technical report,  of all available laws and articles that ensure equal opportunity in recruitment, retention, and promotion across 8 countries in the MENA region. We have also published an executive summary that summarizes the legislative EEO landscape in the region, which sheds light on existing laws and gaps that demand attention and reform.

PHASE 2: INTERNATIONAL EEO MODELS DESK REVIEW

Drawing inspiration from global best practices, we conducted a thorough examination of international Equal Employment Opportunity models from Latin American, North America, Africa, Europe, to Asia and Australia. This comparative analysis informs our strategies, allowing us to reflect on alternative approaches that worked in different socio-cultural and political contexts into the unique cultural and legislative landscape of the MENA region.

PHASE 3: READINESS ASSESSMENT

The executive and technical report provide a summary of current EEO legislation in the MENA region, identify contextual factors that contribute to the discrepancy between EEO legislations and their application in practice, and provide national-level recommendations for increasing the prospects of workplace equity and equality in the region. In 2024, as a culmination of efforts, a final event, to be announced, will present the findings of our reports, and will bring together stakeholders from across the region to advocate for EEO legislation and required reforms in the MENA region.

WHAT'S NEXT?

If you're interested in shaping a future where workplaces in the MENA region thrive on diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities, please reach out to us at sawi@aub.edu.lb​. We invite you to  join us for the final event.​


SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGN 

​EEO ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities for employment and advancement, regardless of any per​​sonal factors.

A commitment to equality, equity and justice in the workplace lays the foundation for a fairer and m​​​ore in​​clusive society.

​Despite the existence of laws that promote equality, there are many factors that hinder their application such as legal barriers and governance challenges.​

​Despite legal frameworks recognizing protected characteristics, barriers persist. Better governance and enforcement are needed to empower change.

​Explore the entire campaign here.

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MEET THE TEAM

Dr. Lina Daouk-Öyry
CO- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Associate Professor of Organizational Psychology, BI Norwegian Business School
BIO


Dr. Carmen Geha
CO PRINCIPAL ​INVESTIGATOR
Co-Founder and Managing Director of Soltara Consulting ​​
BIO

Axelle Meouchy
Research Associate and Curriculum Coordinator 
​PhD candidate at Tilburg University ​
BIO
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