The Political Role of Women in Lebanese Society 2005–2009

Abstract

The issue of women in Lebanon is one of the most preoccupied topics in human thought. Therefore, the importance of women's role in political life has taken on a special character due to the specificity of the women's issue, which is the issue of eliminating all existing forms of discrimination to achieve equality and equal opportunity for women and men.

Lebanese women have faced numerous challenges, including discriminatory laws and the dominance of the sectarian and patriarchal system in the political scene. The number of women in the Lebanese parliament has not exceeded 5%, which is one of the lowest rates in the region. Furthermore, Lebanese political parties have not shown much interest in enhancing women's representation on electoral lists.

The women's quota is a form of positive intervention to assist women and one of the most prominent demands supporting the enhancement of women's representation, but it has not been effectively adopted in the electoral system.

Women in Lebanon are absent from effective participation in political life due to traditional societal perceptions. Changing this perception is a prerequisite for opening the way for women to participate in decision-making.