Caritas Lebanon, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), organized a seminar on gender-based violence at the Diwan Al-Wadi restaurant in Qbayat, Akkar. The event was attended by Father Michel Aboud, President of Caritas Lebanon, Archpriest Elias Jirjis, several local priests, and representatives from over 25 schools, both public and private, as well as from scouting, development, missionary, and humanitarian organizations in the region.
Father Michel Aboud opened the session by highlighting the importance of the partnership with the UNFPA. He emphasized that Caritas’ efforts are not limited to providing material aid, but also aim to raise awareness and offer training to address societal issues such as violence and the increasing cases of suicide among youth.
Mrs. Sandy Joumaa, Project Coordinator at Caritas, exposed a UNFPA funded program integrating reproductive health and protection services. Mrs. Hesen Sayah, Head of Protection at Caritas, discussed the definition of gender-based violence, its causes, forms, and the crucial role of society in prevention.
Lawyer Charbel Hakim presented the Law for the Protection of Women and Family Members from Domestic Violence (Law 293), discussing cyberbullying, necessary legal procedures, and the role of institutions in enhancing legal awareness and providing psychological and social support.
The seminar emphasized the importance of coordination between local and international institutions to promote a culture of nonviolence and peace. It called for the strengthening of laws and awareness campaigns to ensure the protection of individuals, particularly women and the most vulnerable groups in society.