Beirut Arab University Access Schemes for Women

SDG 5 Gender Equality

THE Impact Rankings indicator 5.3.3 | Beirut Arab University, Lebanon

Activity evidence from 2021 to 2026, with published scholarship and partner arrangements. Updated October 2026.

Response to the indicator

Yes. Beirut Arab University (BAU) provides women-focused mentoring and targeted support for female students, and facilitates access to funded opportunities for women through its international and community partners. Delivery is documented through the Faculty of Engineering and its IEEE and Women in Engineering groups, the Human Rights Center, the International Relations Office, Student Life and academic faculties. The schemes address academic guidance, financial access to learning, professional development, leadership, rights awareness and personal confidence.

The scholarship response concerns externally funded women-specific opportunities that BAU promotes and facilitates, together with partner assistance under its published arrangements. The funding sources and eligibility conditions are identified below. General merit aid is described separately, because access for women to an inclusive award differs from an award reserved for women.

Evidence: BAU International Women’s Day mentoring programme

Evidence: BAU published SUSI opportunity for female undergraduates

Evidence: BAU Her Civic Quest programme for female students

International Women s Day Mentoring Program 18th March

IEEE and WIE celebrated International Women’s Day by launching a mentorship program aimed at empowering women in STEM fields. The highlight of the event was a mentoring session led by speaker Nadine Ajam, focusing on preparing women for graduation through guidance and a trivia Q&A activity highlighting women's contributions in STEM.

This engaging event took place online via Google Meet, allowing participants to join from anywhere. Moreover, additional sessions will be later organized for participants seeking personalized 1-on-1 mentoring with the speaker. These sessions will provide academic guidance and support to help participants prepare effectively for graduation.

Study of the U S Institutes SUSI for Young Women Leaders for undergraduate students

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has announced an academic exchange program for university undergraduate students.

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders: This program is for female undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 who are interested in developing their advocacy skills and learning about women leadership and role in the society. The program will take place from June to early August 2023.

The deadline to submit applications is December 31, 2022.

Program information and application instructions/link are available here: https://lb.usembassy.gov/2023-study-of-the-united-states-institutes-for-young-women-leaders-program/

As with all U.S. Embassy-sponsored programs, the U.S. Government pays for all major expenses, including roundtrip airfare, shared accommodation during the program, meals and health insurance. Competition is merit-based and Lebanese and long-term Palestinian residents in Lebanon from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex, age, and/or physical impairment.

Closing Ceremony of Her Civic Quest Project Empowering Young Women and Enhancing Civic Participation at the University

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with the Madaniyat Foundation for Equality, organized the closing ceremony of the “Her Civic Quest” project, which was launched in November 2024. This project lasted several months with the aim of empowering 50 female university students in the fields of leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental protection and conflict resolution.

The ceremony started with welcoming speeches by BAU Secretary-General and the Director of the Human Rights Center, Dr. Omar Houri, and the Project Coordinator at the Madaniyat Foundation Ms. Nadine Al-Hajj Hussein.

In his speech, Dr. Omar Houri stressed that "this project represents an effective model for enhancing student participation in social justice and human rights issues on campus," noting that "the enthusiasm and commitment we have seen among female students reflects the importance of investing in the energies of youth, especially in the areas of leadership and advocacy, as an essential step towards building more just and inclusive societies."

He added, "The Human Rights Center will continue to support and keep pace with these initiatives within a sustainable vision".

The program included a video presentation summarizing the project's most prominent milestones, followed by the participating students presenting their personal and professional experiences within the project, in addition to presenting the work plans that will be implemented in the university campus during the fall semester of 2025.

The ceremony also included two dialogue sessions with the participation of female students and the interventions of governance and local development expert Dr. Josephine Zogheib and lawyer Manar Zaiter, where ways to enhance the role of young women in civil and leadership spaces were discussed.

The participating students developed three initiatives during the project, which will be implemented with support from the Human Rights Center and in coordination with the Madaniyat Foundation. These initiatives aim to achieve a sustainable impact on the university environment and revolve around:

• Environment: through awareness campaigns and activating recycling activities on campus.

• Student political representation: by launching a democratic electoral system that enhances effective student participation.

• Empowering women: by organizing workshops, implementing awareness campaigns, and providing basic personal hygiene supplies in university facilities.

Mentoring and personalised guidance

Women in STEM mentoring programme in March 2024

On 18 March 2024, BAU’s IEEE and Women in Engineering groups launched a mentorship programme for women in STEM. Nadine Ajam led an online session through Google Meet, offering guidance for women approaching graduation and a question-and-answer activity highlighting women’s contributions in STEM. The university’s Faculty of Engineering published the event record, establishing the institutional setting and the target audience. BAU also announced further personalised one-to-one sessions with the speaker to provide academic guidance. The March session is documented as delivered; the later sessions were announced as the next stage of the programme. The record establishes women-focused mentoring without stating a university-wide participation percentage.

Evidence: BAU Faculty of Engineering mentoring programme record

International Women s Day Mentoring Program 18th March

IEEE and WIE celebrated International Women’s Day by launching a mentorship program aimed at empowering women in STEM fields. The highlight of the event was a mentoring session led by speaker Nadine Ajam, focusing on preparing women for graduation through guidance and a trivia Q&A activity highlighting women's contributions in STEM.

This engaging event took place online via Google Meet, allowing participants to join from anywhere. Moreover, additional sessions will be later organized for participants seeking personalized 1-on-1 mentoring with the speaker. These sessions will provide academic guidance and support to help participants prepare effectively for graduation.

One to one career mentoring offered in April 2024

On 9 April 2024, the WIE BAU Student Branch advertised registration for one-to-one mentoring with engineer Nadine Ajam, in collaboration with IEEE. The offer covered career goals, job-search and interview strategies, industry opportunities, professional networking and personal development. Students were invited to register through a linked form. This follow-up provides concrete evidence that the mentoring scheme progressed from a group event to an advertised route for personalised support. It demonstrates an offer of individual career guidance through a university student society; the announcement does not report the number of appointments completed or limit every booking to female students.

Evidence: WIE BAU Student Branch original mentoring invitation

Are you feeling a little lost as you approach graduation? Do you want to ensure you’re fully prepared to embark on the next chapter of your life? Well, we have some fantastic news for you!

🤝💡 @wie and @ieee have joined forces to offer you an incredible opportunity for a one-on-one mentoring session with the brilliant and accomplished M3 Engineer, Nadine Ajam! 💼👩‍💻

Nadine Ajam is a true expert in her field and has a wealth of knowledge and experience to share. This exclusive mentoring session is designed to help you gain valuable insights, guidance, and support as you navigate the exciting transition from student life to the professional world.

🔍✨ During this personalized mentoring session, you will have the chance to:

📌 Discuss your career goals and aspirations

📌 Receive tailored advice on job hunting and interview strategies

📌 Gain insights into the industry trends and opportunities

📌 Learn how to build a strong professional network

📌 Receive guidance on personal development and skill enhancement

This is a unique opportunity to receive guidance from an industry expert who has successfully walked the path you’re about to embark on.

Hurry up and scan the QR code to sign up and change your future!

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfBc2-Fy2SRBt4PYEBS10VK9nvCZtyAEPmXYR_4oS_iqrzWjA/viewform?usp=sf_link

Leadership coaching provisions within Her Civic Quest in 2025

BAU’s Human Rights Center records the second phase of Her Civic Quest on 4 and 11 January 2025 at Habtoor Grand Hotel, involving female students from BAU and Saint Joseph University. The training covered political messaging, needs assessment, lobbying and debate. The record announced personalised coaching in the next phase to help participants refine initiatives and translate their ideas into action. It establishes a structured route from skills training to individual guidance within a women-focused programme. The January training is documented as completed; the coaching is presented as a programme provision announced for the subsequent phase. Further records below show the project’s progression and student outputs.

Evidence: BAU Her Civic Quest phase two training and coaching provisions

Phase 2 of Her Civic Quest Complete

On Saturday 4 & 11 January, Phase 2 of “Her Civic Quest” initiative took place at Habtoor Grand Hotel bringing together ambitious and dedicated female students from Beirut Arab University and Saint Joseph University of Beirut. Training sessions delved into various topics, including political messaging, needs assessment, lobbying techniques and debate skills.

This initiative, implemented by Madanyat under the Women’s Participation in Leadership project – led by UNDP and UN Women with support from the Government of Canada – in collaboration with the BAU Human Rights Center, aims to empower young women by enhancing their leadership, advocacy and gender justice skills.

The ultimate goal? To inspire meaningful change and develop actionable plans to advocate for gender reform within universities.

In Phase 3, participants will benefit from personalized coaching sessions to further refine their initiatives and translate their vision into impactful action.

Scholarships and financial access for women

BAU promotion of the funded SUSI opportunity for female undergraduates

BAU’s International Relations Office published the SUSI Young Women Leaders opportunity on 11 October 2022 for the summer 2023 programme. It targeted female undergraduates aged 18 to 25 interested in advocacy and women’s leadership. The announcement provided application information and the deadline, and stated that the United States Government would pay major expenses, including round-trip airfare, shared accommodation, meals and health insurance. Lebanese and long-term Palestinian residents in Lebanon were encouraged to apply. This is a women-specific funded educational opportunity disseminated through a university office. It provides financial access to a leadership exchange rather than funding for a BAU degree, and the cited call is historical evidence for the 2023 programme.

Evidence: BAU SUSI announcement with eligibility application route and funding coverage

Study of the U S Institutes SUSI for Young Women Leaders for undergraduate students

The U.S. Embassy in Beirut has announced an academic exchange program for university undergraduate students.

Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) for Young Women Leaders: This program is for female undergraduate students aged 18 to 25 who are interested in developing their advocacy skills and learning about women leadership and role in the society. The program will take place from June to early August 2023.

The deadline to submit applications is December 31, 2022.

Program information and application instructions/link are available here: https://lb.usembassy.gov/2023-study-of-the-united-states-institutes-for-young-women-leaders-program/

As with all U.S. Embassy-sponsored programs, the U.S. Government pays for all major expenses, including roundtrip airfare, shared accommodation during the program, meals and health insurance. Competition is merit-based and Lebanese and long-term Palestinian residents in Lebanon from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, sex, age, and/or physical impairment.

Documented BAU participation in the funded 2022 SUSI programme

The Faculty of Architecture Design and Built Environment confirms that Rawan Nashi completed the 2022 SUSI Young Women Leaders programme from 25 June to 30 July 2022. She was one of four Lebanese candidates selected nationally. The exchange was funded by the United States Department of State, implemented by the Women’s Global Leadership Consortium and hosted by Saint Mary’s College in Indiana. It provided five weeks of civic-engagement learning with women from different countries. BAU’s event report, published on 6 October 2022, and its annual report both document participation. This is evidence of a BAU female student benefiting from a funded programme specifically designed for young women; the four-candidate figure is a national selection figure, not a BAU beneficiary total.

Evidence: BAU original record of Rawan Nashi’s SUSI completion

Evidence: BAU Annual Report 2021 to 2022 SUSI participation confirmation (PDF page 38, printed pages 74 and 75)

Rawan Nashi was selected as one of the four Lebanese candidates to participate in 2022 SUSI Young Women Leaders Program from June 25 till July 30 2022

Congratulations to Rawan Nashi for completing the 2022 Study of United States Institutes Young Women Leaders Program (SUSI)!

Rawan Nashi was selected as one of the four Lebanese candidates to participate in 2022 SUSI Young Women Leaders Program from June ,25 till July 30 - 2022, an exchange program funded by the US Department of State and implemented by the Women’s Global Leadership Consortium. It was hosted by Saint Mary’s College, South Bend, Indiana, where women from the Middle East, North Africa, and the United States were brought together for an intensive five-week study on Civic Engagement for Young Women Leaders.

This experience places women among a diverse group of people, pushing them to engage in cross-cultural conversations, extending the borders of their own culture, and thus, helping them formulate a global mindset.

Additional selection and participation records for the 2021 SUSI cycle

A BAU International Relations announcement published on 12 April 2022 names Nisrine Kammourieh, Yasmine Wraya and Rawan Nashi as selected by the United States Embassy for the programme identified in the article as the 2021 SUSI Women’s Leadership Programme. They represented Human Sciences, Law and Political Science, and Architecture. Separately, BAU’s Annual Report 2021 documents Nisrine’s participation in women’s leadership learning on 12 to 19 July 2021. These records extend the evidence beyond one faculty and one programme cycle. Selection records and completed participation are distinguished, and repeated references to the same student are not added together as separate unique beneficiaries.

Evidence: BAU International Relations selection announcement

Evidence: BAU Annual Report 2021 participation record (PDF page 44, printed pages 86 and 87)

Congratulations to BAU students who are selected to participate in the 2021 Study of the United States Institutes SUSI Women s Leadership Program

Congratulations to BAU students Nisrine Kammourieh at the Faculty of Human Sciences, Yasmine Wraya at the Faculty of Law and Political Science and Rawan Nashi at the Faculty of Architecture - Design & Built Environment on being selected by the US Embassy in Lebanon; through a highly competitive process; to participate in the “2021 Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) - Women's Leadership Program” at Saint Mary’s College.

Partner tuition scholarships that include marginalised women

BAU’s published agreement-based scholarship arrangements describe cooperation with Unite Lebanon Youth Project, whose mission includes empowering marginalised women, children and young people in Lebanon. BAU helps eligible Palestinian students in the Teaching Diploma programme in Human Sciences and the DPT programme in Health Sciences acquire ULYP scholarships. The published coverage is 100 percent of tuition fees. This is direct university facilitation of partner financial assistance, with eligibility tied to Palestinian status and the specified programmes. Eligible women can benefit, but the published terms do not reserve the award exclusively for women. The arrangement is therefore supporting evidence of women’s financial access under an inclusive partner scheme, alongside the women-specific SUSI opportunity.

Evidence: BAU ULYP scholarship eligibility and tuition coverage (ULYP Scholarships section)

General merit scholarships complement targeted opportunities

BAU also publishes general merit scholarships based on academic achievement, including Lebanese Baccalaureate scholarships and tuition reductions for ranking students. These routes are relevant to women who satisfy the academic conditions, while their published criteria apply to students generally. They complement the targeted schemes by supporting access and continuation through academic financial assistance. They are not presented as women-only awards, and no share of female recipients is inferred from the general eligibility information.

Evidence: BAU published undergraduate merit scholarship arrangements

Merit Scholarships

Targeted leadership participation and rights support

Her Civic Quest development programme for 50 female BAU students

BAU’s Human Rights Center and Madanyat for Equality developed Her Civic Quest, launched in November 2024 and completed through several months of activity in 2025. The university’s public-relations account identifies 50 female university students; the Human Rights Center’s parallel account identifies the participants as BAU students. The programme developed leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental advocacy and conflict-resolution skills. Its university coordination, defined female audience and multi-stage delivery provide strong evidence of targeted support. The July closing records describe participant reflections, action plans and dialogue with expert speakers, showing that the scheme involved practical development beyond attendance at a single awareness event.

Evidence: BAU July 2025 account identifying the female participant cohort

Evidence: BAU Human Rights Center account identifying 50 BAU participants

Closing Ceremony of Her Civic Quest Project Empowering Young Women and Enhancing Civic Participation at the University

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with the Madaniyat Foundation for Equality, organized the closing ceremony of the “Her Civic Quest” project, which was launched in November 2024. This project lasted several months with the aim of empowering 50 female university students in the fields of leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental protection and conflict resolution.

The ceremony started with welcoming speeches by BAU Secretary-General and the Director of the Human Rights Center, Dr. Omar Houri, and the Project Coordinator at the Madaniyat Foundation Ms. Nadine Al-Hajj Hussein.

In his speech, Dr. Omar Houri stressed that "this project represents an effective model for enhancing student participation in social justice and human rights issues on campus," noting that "the enthusiasm and commitment we have seen among female students reflects the importance of investing in the energies of youth, especially in the areas of leadership and advocacy, as an essential step towards building more just and inclusive societies."

He added, "The Human Rights Center will continue to support and keep pace with these initiatives within a sustainable vision".

The program included a video presentation summarizing the project's most prominent milestones, followed by the participating students presenting their personal and professional experiences within the project, in addition to presenting the work plans that will be implemented in the university campus during the fall semester of 2025.

The ceremony also included two dialogue sessions with the participation of female students and the interventions of governance and local development expert Dr. Josephine Zogheib and lawyer Manar Zaiter, where ways to enhance the role of young women in civil and leadership spaces were discussed.

The participating students developed three initiatives during the project, which will be implemented with support from the Human Rights Center and in coordination with the Madaniyat Foundation. These initiatives aim to achieve a sustainable impact on the university environment and revolve around:

• Environment: through awareness campaigns and activating recycling activities on campus.

• Student political representation: by launching a democratic electoral system that enhances effective student participation.

• Empowering women: by organizing workshops, implementing awareness campaigns, and providing basic personal hygiene supplies in university facilities.

Her Civic Quest Closing Event

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in partnership with Madanyat hosted the closing event of “Her Civic Quest” initiative, a journey that began in November and empowered 50 BAU students through intensive, hands-on training in leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental advocacy, and conflict resolution.

The event brought together a diverse audience of students, parents, experts, and partners, and began with a video highlighting both the journey and the impact of the project, followed by reflections from student participants and presentations of their proposed action plans.

Two panel discussions, moderated by Ms. Sandy Hayek, addressed the themes:

• “From campus to community: Youth leading the way in environmental sustainability and political engagement”

• “From campus to inclusive leadership: Youth driving gender equality and women’s empowerment”

The panels featured student voices alongside expert speakers, such as Dr. Josephine Zgheib, governance and local development expert, and Me. Manar Zeaiter, lawyer and legal advisor, who offered valuable insights on civic responsibility and inclusive leadership.

Participants then presented their student-led initiatives that will be implemented in Fall 2025, each grounded in fundamental human rights values:

• Her Vision, Our Mission – promoting the right to a healthy environment through recycling and sustainability.

• Empowering Leadership – advancing the right to participation through a democratic student representation system.

• Forus – فرص – upholding the right to equality, dignity, and well-being by supporting and empowering women students at BAU.

Completed first phase training in 2024

BAU’s report published on 13 December 2024 confirms that the first phase of Her Civic Quest had concluded with training in negotiation, advocacy, gender justice, leadership and conflict resolution. The Human Rights Center worked with Madanyat for Equality, with funding from Global Affairs Canada and partnership with UNDP and UN Women. This record demonstrates completed tailored training for the university’s female students and identifies the institutional and external support behind delivery. The programme addressed skills that help women participate in discussions, organise initiatives and engage in university and civic life.

Evidence: BAU original report of Her Civic Quest first phase

Her Civic Quest project With Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University

In cooperation with Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, the Madanyat for Equality Foundation organized the "Her Civic Quest" project to train the University's female students on various topics: gender equality, leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation skills, environmental threats and solutions, political missions and advocacy.

The first phase of the project concluded with training sessions on negotiation skills, advocacy strategies, gender justice, leadership development and conflict resolution.

The project could extend for 13 months and is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and in partnership with UNDP and UN Women.

In the second phase students will be trained on political missions, debate, lobbying and advocacy in order to develop their leadership and personal capacities.

Guidance from female practitioners and student action plans in July 2025

The Human Rights Center’s closing account, dated 2 July 2025, records two discussions bringing student voices together with governance expert Dr. Josephine Zgheib and lawyer Manar Zeaiter. Participants explored environmental and political engagement, inclusive leadership and women’s empowerment. Students presented initiatives for the following fall, including Forus, focused on supporting women students’ equality, dignity and wellbeing. BAU’s public-relations report, dated 4 July, describes planned women’s workshops, awareness campaigns and personal hygiene supplies in university facilities. These records establish student involvement in designing targeted support. The initiatives were presented as planned actions at the closing; the records do not establish delivery of every proposed service.

Evidence: BAU Human Rights Center closing discussions and proposed initiatives

Evidence: BAU public-relations account of proposed women’s support actions

Her Civic Quest Closing Event

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in partnership with Madanyat hosted the closing event of “Her Civic Quest” initiative, a journey that began in November and empowered 50 BAU students through intensive, hands-on training in leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental advocacy, and conflict resolution.

The event brought together a diverse audience of students, parents, experts, and partners, and began with a video highlighting both the journey and the impact of the project, followed by reflections from student participants and presentations of their proposed action plans.

Two panel discussions, moderated by Ms. Sandy Hayek, addressed the themes:

• “From campus to community: Youth leading the way in environmental sustainability and political engagement”

• “From campus to inclusive leadership: Youth driving gender equality and women’s empowerment”

The panels featured student voices alongside expert speakers, such as Dr. Josephine Zgheib, governance and local development expert, and Me. Manar Zeaiter, lawyer and legal advisor, who offered valuable insights on civic responsibility and inclusive leadership.

Participants then presented their student-led initiatives that will be implemented in Fall 2025, each grounded in fundamental human rights values:

• Her Vision, Our Mission – promoting the right to a healthy environment through recycling and sustainability.

• Empowering Leadership – advancing the right to participation through a democratic student representation system.

• Forus – فرص – upholding the right to equality, dignity, and well-being by supporting and empowering women students at BAU.

Closing Ceremony of Her Civic Quest Project Empowering Young Women and Enhancing Civic Participation at the University

The Human Rights Center at Beirut Arab University, in cooperation with the Madaniyat Foundation for Equality, organized the closing ceremony of the “Her Civic Quest” project, which was launched in November 2024. This project lasted several months with the aim of empowering 50 female university students in the fields of leadership, gender justice, political participation, environmental protection and conflict resolution.

The ceremony started with welcoming speeches by BAU Secretary-General and the Director of the Human Rights Center, Dr. Omar Houri, and the Project Coordinator at the Madaniyat Foundation Ms. Nadine Al-Hajj Hussein.

In his speech, Dr. Omar Houri stressed that "this project represents an effective model for enhancing student participation in social justice and human rights issues on campus," noting that "the enthusiasm and commitment we have seen among female students reflects the importance of investing in the energies of youth, especially in the areas of leadership and advocacy, as an essential step towards building more just and inclusive societies."

He added, "The Human Rights Center will continue to support and keep pace with these initiatives within a sustainable vision".

The program included a video presentation summarizing the project's most prominent milestones, followed by the participating students presenting their personal and professional experiences within the project, in addition to presenting the work plans that will be implemented in the university campus during the fall semester of 2025.

The ceremony also included two dialogue sessions with the participation of female students and the interventions of governance and local development expert Dr. Josephine Zogheib and lawyer Manar Zaiter, where ways to enhance the role of young women in civil and leadership spaces were discussed.

The participating students developed three initiatives during the project, which will be implemented with support from the Human Rights Center and in coordination with the Madaniyat Foundation. These initiatives aim to achieve a sustainable impact on the university environment and revolve around:

• Environment: through awareness campaigns and activating recycling activities on campus.

• Student political representation: by launching a democratic electoral system that enhances effective student participation.

• Empowering women: by organizing workshops, implementing awareness campaigns, and providing basic personal hygiene supplies in university facilities.

Independent United Nations confirmation of BAU women leadership participation

A United Nations account dated 2 September 2025 confirms that BAU partnered with UN Women and UNDP in the Women’s Participation in Leadership project. It describes BAU student Reem Herzallah developing confidence in leading dialogue. It also reports that Diana Hamo and her peers launched environmental campaigns and that Sarah Youness supported student elections and political dialogue. This independently corroborates women’s participation and the move from training to action. The article reports around 250 young women across four participating universities; that figure is the wider programme total, rather than a BAU-only participant count.

Evidence: United Nations in Lebanon account of women’s leadership participation

UN Supported, Self-Empowered: Lebanon’s Young Women Redefine Leadership

Amid Lebanon’s multiple crises, a new generation of young women is stepping forward with the UN's support, claiming their roles as leaders, not mere observers.

When someone raised their voice in a room, Reem Herzallah’s instinct was always to leave. The Beirut Arab University student avoided conflict, believing that her place was to stay quiet while others dominated the conversation.

“I thought I had no role when the discussion got heated,” she admits softly. “I used to think leadership was for people louder than me.”

Today, Reem is the one guiding those conversations. “Now I know how to lead that dialogue. I understand our role as young women in shaping the spaces we belong to.”

Reem’s journey from silence to voice is not just her own; it reflects a broader transformation taking root across four major universities in Lebanon, namely the Lebanese University, Université Saint-Joseph, the American University of Beirut, and the Beirut Arab University.

Under the broader UN-led Women’s Participation in Leadership (WIPL) project, campuses have become spaces for dialogue, leadership training, and inclusive participation, helping young women step into roles where their voices truly matter.

Finding Confidence

Lebanon’s young people are coming of age amid economic downturn, political instability, and recurring conflict. For young women, the barriers to leadership are even higher.

To address this, the United Nations in Lebanon, through UN Women and UNDP, partnered with four universities in Lebanon to create safe and inclusive spaces where students could practice civic leadership. Around 250 young women joined workshops and community projects that gave them more than skills; they gave them courage.

At the American University of Beirut, Dana Al Hachem recalls how lost in her first year. “I didn’t know what to expect, and I felt completely alone,” she says. But after joining the UN-supported program, Dana began speaking up, organizing events, and even mentoring peers. “Now I love helping younger women who are like me, whether in academics, clubs, or student life.”

Role Models that Spark Change

For many, the turning point came when they met women leaders who looked like them.

“Everything shifted when I attended an UN-facilitated dialogue with MPs on women’s political participation,” says Leony Lawandos. “They didn’t just challenge the system; they claimed space in it. They showed me we don’t need permission; we already belong at the table as equal citizens.”

Another student, Jenna Kheireddine, was inspired watching MP Halima Kaakour speak out in Parliament. “We have the right to be heard not only on gender issues but on all issues,” she says. “We’re the same as men and everyone else at that table, and we deserve respect.”

Safe Spaces in a Time of Crisis

When Lebanon’s crises felt overwhelming, Nouhad Hajj from the Lebanese University found refuge in Ondes’ theater-based leadership exercises.

“Every moment we worked together, I could feel something shifting inside me,” she said. “We created a safe, non-judgmental space where everyone’s voice mattered.” Those improvised scenes revealed her power to speak truths and listen deeply. That stage became the launching pad for Nouhad’s own storytelling workshops, where solidarity turns pain into resilience.

Redefining Leadership

What unites these journeys is the reimagining of leadership itself. For these students, leadership is not about hierarchy or loud voice, it is about inclusivity, courage, and creating space for others to lead.

In a country where women hold less than 7 percent of parliamentary seats and youth voices are often sidelined, these shifts may seem subtle, but they are profound. They hint at a new kind of civic life, one where young women not only belong but also set the tone.

As Jenna puts it: “Now when I speak, I no longer wonder if I belong. I know I do, and I’ll keep that space open for others too, ensuring women are heard and respected on all issues.”

These initiatives are implemented by UN Women and UNDP with the support of the Government of Canada, in close partnership with several local stakeholders.

All of these young women’s stories would not have been possible without the generous support from the Government of Canada, one of Lebanon’s top donors. Since 2016, Canada has contributed almost $540 million USD to Lebanon, strengthening protection, gender equality, social stability, food security, and health, among others. Canada is also a strong champion of pooled funding, supporting both the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund (LHF) and the Lebanon Recovery Fund (LRF). Further details on international assistance to Lebanon are available in the Lebanon Aid Tracking reports: https://lebanon.un.org/en/110415-aid-lebanon-tracking-development-aid-received-lebanon

Legal rights workshop at Tripoli Campus in March 2024

BAU Student Life’s original record, published on 17 August 2024, confirms an Ethical Workshop held at Tripoli Campus on Wednesday 6 March for International Women’s Day. Lawyer Rana Dabliz led the activity, explaining women’s rights, challenges and available legal protections. The dated campus workshop provides targeted information support on issues affecting women’s participation and confidence. The event date is distinguished from the later social-media publication date. The evidence is an educational workshop record and does not imply a permanent legal counselling service or a particular policy change.

Evidence: BAU Student Life original Tripoli women’s rights workshop record

Self defence workshop offer for female students in March 2024

BAU Student Life announced a women’s self-defence workshop on 2 March 2024, scheduled for 6 March at 2 pm at Debbieh Campus. The invitation specifically targeted female students and described practical safety skills, awareness and confidence, led by Lebanese Vovinam Federation President Bahaa Zghayar. It also offered participation certificates. This is a concrete university-published offer of targeted personal safety support for women. The cited post establishes the invitation, scheduled venue and programme content, rather than an attendance total or a retrospective completion report.

Evidence: BAU Student Life self defence workshop announcement

Join us for a special self-defense workshop dedicated to empowering women, in commemoration of International Women's Day. This hands-on session is led by the esteemed President of the Lebanese Vovinam Federation, Bahaa zghayar.

📅 Date:Wednesday, March 6, 2024

⏰ Time: 2:00 PM

📍 Location: Debbieh Campus.

This workshop aims to equip female students with fundamental self-defense skills, enhance awareness about personal safety, and boost self-confidence. Participants will also receive certificates of participation from the Lebanese Vovinam Federation.

Students are encouraged to capture this day's spirit through photos and share their thoughts with special quotes at the gymnasium entrance.

Don't miss this empowering opportunity to learn, grow, and stand strong together!

Professional development and further targeted provision

Female role models and leadership forum in June 2026

The Faculty of Architecture Design and Built Environment hosted Future by Design Her Vision Our Future, organised by Dr. Hiba Mohsen and engineer Rawan Nashi with faculty leadership support. The event website advertised 24 June 2026 at Jamal Abdul Nasser Hall, Beirut Campus; BAU published its delivery report on 29 June. Female leaders from law, public life, health policy, architecture, business and sustainability shared career experiences through an interactive panel. The project was supported by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. This is a recent women-focused role-model and professional development activity, open to BAU students across faculties, alumni and guests. Its contribution is access to female professional experience and dialogue. Rawan Nashi’s role as organiser also provides a later example of participation by a documented 2022 SUSI beneficiary.

Evidence: BAU original report of Future by Design leadership forum

Evidence: Event announcement confirming 24 June venue and participant access

Future by Design Inspiring Future Leaders

The Faculty of Architecture – Design and Built Environment at Beirut Arab University hosted a leadership forum titled “Future by Design: Her Vision, Our Future”, aiming to foster a culture of leadership and innovation among students by sharing the success stories of women across various fields.

The forum was held with the support of the Dean of the Faculty Professor Hassan Abdel-Salam, and organized by Dr. Hiba Mohsen and Eng. Rawan Nashi. It was attended by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Al-Bir and Al-Ihsan Waqf and Chairman of the BAU Board of Trustees Dr. Ammar Houry; the President of the University Professor Wael Nabil Abdel-Salam; the Secretary General of the University Dr. Omar Houri; the University Deans; alongside faculty members, students, and interested attendees.

The event was part of the “Her Vision, Our Future”project, which connects students with inspiring female role models in law, leadership, health, architecture, business, and sustainability. The initiative is supported by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, in cooperation with the Women’s Global Leadership Coalition.

A group of female leaders participated in the forum, sharing their professional experiences and journeys toward success while highlighting the challenges and opportunities that shaped their leadership paths. The panel of speakers included lawyer and Doctor of Public Law Dr. Hodab Zobeian; lawyer, former MP, and founder of Tabsh Law Firm Mrs. Rola Tabsh; Mrs. Hanadi Nahas, expert in health policy and market access; Eng. Sarah-Rita Kattan, architect, lecturer at the American University of Beirut, and co-founder of Change By Design; and Eng. Reine Metlej, sustainability consultant recognized in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list.

The event featured an interactive panel discussion and an art exhibition showcasing works by the faculty’s students. It concluded with the honoring of the speakers in appreciation of their contributions to inspiring students and promoting the role of women in shaping a future built on innovation and impact.

Professional interest support through Women in Surgery in 2021 and 2022

BAU’s Annual Report 2021 documents the Women in Surgery Interest Group’s online session Let Us Meet around the Virtual OR on 16 March 2021, introducing new group members to operating-room basics and etiquette. The following annual report records an interactive Organ Donation and Organ Transplantation session organised by the group on 14 April 2022. These records demonstrate a university-based professional interest community and learning opportunities associated with women in a medical specialty. They provide supporting evidence of targeted professional development, without establishing that all attendees were women or that a formal individual mentoring arrangement was provided.

Evidence: BAU Annual Report 2021 Women in Surgery learning activity (PDF page 14, printed pages 26 and 27)

Evidence: BAU Annual Report 2021 to 2022 Women in Surgery activity (PDF page 15, printed pages 28 and 29)

Women in engineering role model webinar in 2021 to 2022

BAU’s 2021 to 2022 annual report records an International Women’s Day webinar organised by its American Society of Civil Engineers student chapter, featuring engineer Sophie Lipomanis speaking about women’s role in engineering. The activity provides further evidence of a faculty-linked student group promoting female professional visibility. It complements the expressly women-focused 2024 mentoring scheme, while the annual report does not specify an individual mentoring process or the audience’s gender composition.

Evidence: BAU Annual Report 2021 to 2022 women in engineering webinar (PDF page 13, printed pages 24 and 25)

Targeted information for women through Road to Maternity in 2022

The Faculty of Medicine and International Orthodox Christian Charities organised Road to Maternity for women at the university, reported on 6 April 2022. The lecture addressed preparation for motherhood, pregnancy-related nutrition, lactation and contraception through group discussion and educational material. It provides supporting evidence of information tailored to women in the university community, complementing the academic, financial and leadership schemes through health education and wellbeing support.

Evidence: BAU original Road to Maternity women’s education record

Institutional delivery and contribution to women access

The evidence shows institutional participation through named faculties, a university centre and an international relations office, with student societies contributing to mentoring and professional learning. Faculty and university staff organise activities, coordinate partners and provide academic oversight. Students participate in training and develop support initiatives, while external practitioners provide guidance and female role models. Partnerships add funding, programme content and international learning opportunities.

BAU’s provision supports women at several points in their university experience: preparing for graduation, accessing funded leadership learning, developing skills to participate in campus and civic life, understanding rights and building confidence for professional pathways. Completed activities, published offers and planned follow-up are distinguished so that each source supports the precise form of provision described. Participation figures concern named programmes and are not converted into a claim about the proportion of all BAU women covered by mentoring.

The response is supported across Mentoring, Scholarship and Other Targeted Support. Mentoring is directly evidenced by the 2024 STEM programme and individual guidance offer. Scholarship evidence is strongest for women-specific externally funded SUSI opportunities facilitated by BAU, with ULYP and merit aid providing additional inclusive financial access. The strongest other targeted support is the sustained Her Civic Quest programme, reinforced by United Nations corroboration and dated rights, safety and professional development activities.