POLICY PRIORITY 11.1 REFORM LAWS TO FOSTER PROTECTION FOR WOMEN

2023-02-21 -

Proposed Measures

Measure 11.1.1

Amend and reinforce the operationalization of Law 293 (2014) related to protection of women and all family members from family violence.

Measure 11.1.2

Further expand and integrate civil society projects to influence attitude and behavioral change on women’s issues (e.g., wage gap, personal status, and sexual harassment in the workplace and public spaces).

Measure 11.1.3

Mandate by law a further increase in parental leave—maternity and paternity— that would allow flexible work schedules for parents and advocate for child-friendly spaces/ nurseries in the workplace. Integrate home office work opportunities for mothers and fathers into the legal frameworks for labor, taxation, and social protection.

Measure 11.1.4

Introduce new legislation or amend the legislation to outlaw and increase sentences against sexual GBV (e.g., marital rape, incestuous rape, sexual harassment). Adopt a unified civil personal status law, guaranteeing gender equality that is compliant with the constitution and the international commitments of Lebanon.

Measure 11.1.5

Lebanon should adopt CEDAW in its entirety, without reservations. The Optional Protocol, which was included as an addendum to CEDAW, has still not been adopted by Lebanon. Additionally, UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 on women, peace and security must be integrated into state legal and regulatory policies to better protect women during and after armed conflicts.

Measure 11.1.6

Develop public projects, and incentivize private sector projects, to train and support women for merit-based advancement in the workplace and in political life.

Measure 11.1.7

Support existing women’s emergency safe shelters across the country to provide standardized-quality, safe temporary accommodation in which women along with their children can seek life-saving refuge and receive specialized help in crisis situations.

Measure 11.1.8

Expedite the overdue reform of Decree 15 (1925) on Lebanese nationality to ensure that children and spouses of Lebanese women have the same right to citizenship as those of Lebanese men.