Participation of women through consumer protection in Lebanon
Our blogs highlight a range of consumer issues from different perspectives. Unless otherwise stated they do not represent the position of Consumers International.
GUEST BLOG: Dr. Nada Nehme
As part of our blog series for International Women's Day, we asked inspiring women leaders from the consumer advocacy world to tell us what the day means in their country, and some of the issues for female consumers.
Dr. Nada Nehme, Vice President, Consumers Lebanon explains how difficult it is to promote the issues of women in her country.
In our country, Lebanon, the participation of women in decision-making and civil work is not readily accepted, especially in the field of consumer protection. This is because of the old fashioned beliefs many still hold and the economic and social problems our country suffers from, alongside the absence of the rule of law and citizen protection in general.
Since its establishment, Consumers Lebanon has been passionate about involving women of all age groups as part of the organization – within our volunteer team, and in different positions in the administrative body. Half of the members of the association are women.
Most of our volunteers are women who have just graduated and we depend on them for market surveillance and other field activities. They also participate in our awareness activities by giving lectures on consumer protection and consumer rights.
Making women’s voices heard
From our experience, since men have a monopoly on decision making positions in the economic and political sectors, (most members of the House of Representatives and ministers are men), it is not easy to highlight the positions and opinions of women. It is not always a simple task to stand up for consumers rights and to address the many risks and concerns female consumers face on a daily basis.
The media and television often don’t give women a platform to speak, meaning they aren’t made the focus of the news and given credibility and trust in the society.
With the unfair laws around women working, it is not easy for women in Lebanon to work on consumer affairs and advocate for better rights and protection, but as an association we have been keen to strengthen women’s participation in all our activities. Large numbers of women are motivated to work in consumer protection, side-by-side with men in the field.
Better consumer rights, more equality
Consumer rights means greater gender equality and emphasizes that we are all human and we can all fight for a better tomorrow. By applying consumer rights, men and women are free to develop their abilities and to make decisions without boundaries drawn by stereotypes and inherited habits. They can obtain basic rights equally, such as the right to education, and break down barriers in decision-making positions, opening the doors for women to develop their capabilities and advance in society as an effective individual.
Women are an integral part of society and a major component to it, they should be actively setting standards, laws and policies and leading social and political movements.
Women and men complement each other, yet the role of women is complex and has a distinct impact on society by acting as a strong link between family and society. Women have a major role in informing consumers of their rights, whether as part of a movement or as an individual.