CAROLINE BAZZI

Beirut – Women facing gender inequality in every part of life continue to struggle against the male-dominant system. The rate of women’s participation in politics is very low, especially in the Middle East. All of their demands, including their demands for quota, are rejected by men. Lebanese women submitted a proposal to the Lebanese Parliament demanding, “30 percent of quota for women should be implemented in the elections.” However, the male parliamentarians refused to discuss this issue.

“Political powers oppose electoral gender quota”

Caroline Succar Slaiby, the president of the Lebanese Democratic Women's Gathering (RDFL), stated that they have submitted several proposals to the parliament on the implementation of the quota system. “The sad thing is that our system in Lebanon is a parliamentary system based on a quota. It seems that there is no political will in the parliament to pass a law ensuring the quota for women.” Noting that the discussion on electoral gender quota has been pushed into the background by highlighting different issues, Caroline Succar Slaiby said, “Women are not considered as the citizens of this country. Women make up half of the population of Lebanon. For this reason, gender equality must be ensured. Women need the quota system for women’s active participation in politics.”

“All women should run for elections

Emphasizing that the costs of running for parliamentary elections are very high, Carolibe Succar Slaiby said, “So only women who have money can run for the elections. We demand the electoral gender quota because women, who have no money, have the right to run for the elections. Women are prevented from running for elections now.”

“Women have the power to change the political dynamic”

Caroline Succar Slaiby added that women's organizations have been working on educating women for years. “Women are ready to take seats in the parliament and they have the power to change the political dynamic in the country.” Referring to the Beijing Conference where the quota issue was discussed, Caroline Succar Slaiby said that 33% of electoral gender quota was determined.”

“Boycott elections if our demands for quota are not accepted”

Pointing out that the women taking part in the political parties should be courageous; Caroline Succar Slaiby called on the Lebanese government to implement the rules of the UNSCR 1325. She also called on women to, “Boycott elections if our demands for quota are not accepted.”