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President of Lebanon’s Women Leaders Council: We Refuse to Surrender to the Status Quo

President of Lebanon’s Women Leaders Council: We Refuse to Surrender to the Status Quo
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President of Lebanon’s Women Leaders Council: We Refuse to Surrender to the Status Quo

President of Lebanon’s Women Leaders Council: We Refuse to Surrender to the Status Quo

Despite all the difficult economic conditions afflicting Lebanon, Madiha Raslan, president and founder of the Lebanese Council for Women Leaders, insists on moving forward with her mission without losing hope.

Since 2018, Raslan began her official career within economic organizations through establishing and chairing the Lebanese Council for Women Leaders, after assuming the position of Vice President of the Lebanese Association for Franchise Licenses in 2009, following more than 19 years of experience in the business field.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Raslan talks about her experience in the Council, which she established with the support of Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and the head of economic bodies in Lebanon, Mohammad Shukair. She describes the step as a “challenge”, which she succeeded in overcoming before it collided with the economic and political crisis that hit Lebanon since 2019.

Upon its formation, the Council gathered about 12 businesswomen from various sectors until the number reached 120 currently. The main goal is to integrate Lebanese women into the economic system and enable them to become partners in decision making.

In this regard, she says that the foundations to achieve this goal were present, but collided with the political crisis in Lebanon, which is badly affecting the economy.

“In Lebanon, the greatest challenge is the political situation, meaning that political stability is the basis that would constitute the solution, or at least open a door for a solution,” she tells Asharq Al-Awsat.

She continues: “As a private sector, we do not ask officials and politicians for money or anything. We just want them to think of Lebanon as a country for our children… instead of taking it hostage to non-Lebanese interests…”

Raslan, however, refuses to talk about accepting the status quo. In response to a question about whether she feels hopeless, she says: “There is no doubt that the whole country is in a state of despair, but hope is always there, which makes us resist, continue to search for solutions and make efforts to save the situation.”

She reveals that the Council is working on a recovery plan by seeking to bring fresh dollars into the market to activate the economic wheel, which could be achieved through expatriates who have confidence in the private sector or with investments in Lebanese companies.

Raslan affirms that Lebanese women will have a major role in the future of their country, reiterating that providing specific foundations and factors will help revive the economic sector.

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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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UN Deputy Special Coordinator to Asharq Al-Awsat: Humanitarian Situation in Lebanon is ‘Catastrophic’

Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Imran Riza, the UN’s Deputy Special Coordinator, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon (Asharq Al-Awsat)

One of the UN’s top humanitarian officials in Lebanon, Imran Riza, has warned that the situation will worsen if the conflict continues, calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

He stressed that the ongoing war is placing immense strain on both the UN and the Lebanese government, as over a million people have been displaced. He said current needs exceed $400 million, but only 12% of that amount has been raised so far.

Worsening Crisis

Riza, who is the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for Lebanon, UN Resident, and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon, spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat. He described the past two weeks as “catastrophic” for civilians, with the crisis growing over the last year.

More than 600,000 people have been displaced and over a million affected, with 300,000 crossing the border, according to Riza.

Many of these people have been displaced more than once in search of safety. Riza emphasized that the war has severely impacted civilians, with more than a quarter of Lebanon's population affected.

The UN has been working to address the crisis, but Riza said resources are limited.

He stressed that the UN has been saying all year that it doesn’t have enough funds, even when there were only 110,000 displaced people.

Last week, the UN launched a $426 million appeal for urgent humanitarian aid, with 12% of the funding already secured.

Riza said more support is expected, with donor countries pledging additional help.

He also expressed gratitude for contributions from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which provided medical and relief supplies, and said the UN hopes to see more international assistance soon.

Working with the Government

The UN is working closely with the Lebanese government every day to provide shelter, food, healthcare, and water to those in need.

Cooperation with the government has been excellent, said Riza.

However, he acknowledged that the government’s capacity is weakened after five years of ongoing crises, which have also severely impacted the population.

People are less resilient than they were during the 2006 war, and the government and its institutions are weaker, affirmed Riza.

The UN is helping the government respond effectively, ensuring transparency and accountability, so that aid reaches those who need it, he added.

The UN is also collaborating with local and international NGOs that have gained experience from Lebanon’s recent crises, helping to ensure a more effective response. Shelters are also being monitored to prevent any abuse.

A Different Reality from 2006

The current situation in Lebanon is very different from the 2006 war. Politically, the country now has a caretaker government and no president, with much less international presence.

Back then, other countries were more involved, said Riza.

The 2006 war lasted only 33 days, but this conflict has dragged on for a year, he noted.

During recent visits to southern border areas, Riza said locals were asking when the war would end, as the situation has worsened significantly in the past two weeks.

Riza noted that, in the first week of the crisis, it was extremely difficult to respond, and even now, many displaced people remain without shelter.

The UN is working with the government to provide shelter, food, and healthcare, but it’s not easy, he noted.

Displacement Crisis

With winter approaching, Riza stressed the need to properly house displaced people, saying that people can’t be left without shelter.

There are also concerns over a lack of housing, clean water, and sanitation, as well as the risk of disease outbreaks. Despite these challenges, Riza praised the close cooperation between the UN, international organizations, and partners.

Many agencies are responding, he asserted.

Riza rejected any claims of discrimination between displaced groups, noting that both Lebanese and Syrians are currently staying in UNRWA schools. He added that talks with the government about sheltering displaced Syrians have been positive.

Riza also expressed concern about the school year and children’s education.

Prolonged Conflict

The United Nations sees no immediate solution to the humanitarian and military crisis in Lebanon, with Riza stressing that the solution must be political and diplomatic, but first, a ceasefire is needed.

While there is little optimism for an end to the conflict, Riza said, the UN is encouraged by the support from its partners, which helps the organization assist the displaced.

He mentioned the recent evacuation of 1,000 people from Ain Ebel and aid distribution in Tyre, emphasizing the need to ensure that they reach those in need.

Riza called on all sides to respect international and humanitarian laws, allowing safe access for aid workers.

He condemned violations, including the deaths of firefighters, health workers, civil defense staff, and UN personnel, adding that the toll on civilian and health infrastructure is growing.