Leen’s journey to empowerment and financial independence
In a small remote village in South Lebanon, 21-year-old Leen pursued her dream of independence and self-reliance despite the challenges posed by limited job opportunities, especially for women.
The community where Leen resides offers few prospects for women to find meaningful employment. Most available jobs are traditionally male-dominated, and societal norms, along with the lack of job opportunities and demanding requirements for training and experience, make it nearly impossible for girls like Leen to acquire the necessary skills. Additionally, their village is very far from the cities, with inadequate transportation, making it extremely challenging for the girls to attend jobs in neighboring cities.
This lack of opportunities has left many young women, including Leen, struggling to envision a future where they can support themselves and break free from financial dependency. “I am constantly seeking opportunities that will enable me to achieve independence and self-sufficiency,” Leen shared, determined to overcome these obstacles.
Establishing a safe space
In 2024, Leen and a group of girls and young women (GYW) from her community decided to tackle the challenges women face in their village. They launched an initiative to promote women’s right to work and their economic role in society. One of their significant achievements was establishing a safe space in the village, where workshops, training sessions, and meetings could take place. “I am so proud that we were able to establish a safe space for the GYW in our area, especially given the lack of such spaces for women here. Creating this safe space made me feel that I have a voice in my village and that my presence matters, significantly boosting my self-confidence,” Leen expressed.
Weaving a new path
Using this safe space, Leen took a significant step towards independence by starting her own embroidery course, leveraging her exceptional talent in this craft. “This initiative was the light in the darkness I once believed would never end. This achievement will always be a cherished memory and an important step in my career. It taught me to always have faith and to believe that I can, so that I will always be. I am so thankful for what I have achieved and will always seek more opportunities for success,” Leen reflected. Her efforts also helped other GYW learn valuable skills that could benefit them in the future.
Empowering women in South Lebanon
In 2023, Leen joined the She Leads project, where she received training in advocacy and leadership. This experience equipped her with essential skills and inspired her to implement the youth-led initiative in her village. “Through my participation in the advocacy and leadership training, I gained a lot of skills. This training provided me with the opportunity to reflect on the concerns that the GYW are facing in our area. It helped me identify the most pressing issues to advocate for effectively,” Leen explained.
Leen’s journey highlights the impact of the She Leads project. “Thank you for implementing the She Leads project in our village. I strongly recommend continuing to bring such opportunities to GYW in rural areas like my village,” Leen stated. The advocacy programme not only empowered Leen but also increased the involvement of GYW in the community, changing their perceptions about women’s roles in society. Leen emphasised how the experience shifted her beliefs and those of her peers, underscoring the importance of providing opportunities for GYW to become economically active and socially empowered. Her success story demonstrates the profound impact of advocacy and leadership training, showcasing the potential for positive change when young women are given the tools and opportunities to lead.
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