The fight against violence towards women, for civil rights, and for equal pay is a global battle that continues to this day. Every step forward brings us closer to a fairer society. Yet, behind each achievement lies a series of challenges that only deepens a woman's resolve to persevere and never give up.
The women of southern Lebanon embody this spirit of resilience, as their lives are practically a daily struggle marked by adversity. Paradoxically, it is this very hardship that has shaped their independence, driving many to assert themselves and strive for greater financial autonomy.
For Lebanese women, particularly those in southern Lebanon, life has grown increasingly difficult. The worsening economic crisis and the enduring Israeli-Lebanese war have taken a severe toll on their livelihoods.
Despite this, in the southern regions, an increasing number of women are turning to productive economic activities as a means to achieve financial independence, thereby becoming integral partners in supporting their families.
In Ebel el-Saqi, a village in the Marjeyoun district, Nadia had never envisioned working outside the home, especially since her husband opposed the idea. However, the economic crisis of 2019 drastically changed their circumstances. With her husband's business faltering, Nadia had no choice but to step up to help sustain her family.
Owning a car, she took the bold step of becoming a driver and delivery woman, offering transportation services to fellow villagers who lacked their own vehicles.
Nadia’s initiative was met with great appreciation, as she became the first woman in the village to assume such a role. “Every woman should be financially independent and never feel ashamed of her work. My clients often commend me for my sense of responsibility and prompt service in meeting their needs,” she shares.
Cultural stereotypes and prejudices still subject women to systemic discrimination. Many are confined to domestic roles or low-income rural tasks without social protection. However, change is gradually taking root, and over time, these stereotypes are expected to diminish.
Rawane, a young woman from Hasbaya, is a testament to this shift. Having studied mechanics, she works alongside her father in his garage. "When I first started, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. Clients were often skeptical of my skills simply because I’m a woman. I heard comments from people saying they would prefer dealing with a man for this type of work. It hurt, but I didn’t let it stop me,” she confides.
With persistence and passion, Rawane has earned her place in the profession she loves, proving herself to clients who now confidently rely on her expertise in handling engines.
A Note of Hope in Times of Crisis
Amid the countless challenges facing the country, some organizations tirelessly continue their mission to support those in need. The Amel NGO is one such example, spearheading initiatives that enhance women’s access to employment and markets through programs focused on rural development and vocational training.
To date, over 1,000 rural women have gained the skills to create, promote, and market high-quality handmade goods, ranging from embroidery and accessories to agri-food products.
These programs, which include interactive learning sessions, have not only equipped participants with practical skills but also fostered dialogue and social cohesion. "We started seeing real results when women began creating and showcasing their own products. Their newfound confidence inspired others in the region," shares Safaa, program manager at Amel.
The impact has been particularly profound for illiterate participants. "I thought education wasn’t for me—it felt too late. I couldn’t read or write. I learned how to read and understand important documents, which helped me secure a job in a store. It changed my life because now I feel more independent," says Nour.
Other local organizations are also stepping up to champion women's rights and protection. Initiatives by the "Houna Lil Temkin" NGO, for instance, aim to help women and children overcome the trauma of war through awareness programs and psychological support.
By providing women with the tools to overcome the obstacles in their daily lives, these organizations are achieving more than just economic empowerment. They are uniting women around a common purpose, fostering social stability, and laying the groundwork for lasting peace.
Resilience Amidst the Ruins
Many women in southern Lebanon have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and strength in the face of war. The daily struggles of life—ranging from insecurity to educational limitations—place an even greater burden on mothers, sisters, and wives in a society where fathers traditionally bear the responsibility of financial stability. For women in the south, the consequences of a war that lasted over a year have been particularly harsh. Persistent Israeli airstrikes have transformed once-fertile agricultural land into barren wastelands, devastating the livelihoods of female farmers who depend on these lands for financial independence.
Among these women is Siham, a 57-year-old farmer from the village of Sarada in the Marjeyoun district. Her story echoes the grim reality faced by many: “The war broke out just as we were about to begin harvesting the olives, which was a devastating blow. The bombings forced us to abandon our fields, and the losses have been immense.” Her voice reveals the depth of her distress, highlighting the compounded challenges of war, economic crisis, and environmental devastation.
Yet, despite everything, she refuses to yield to despair. Like so many other women from the South, she embodies resilience. She’s ready to roll up her sleeves and face the challenges ahead, holding onto hope for better days.
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