Lebanon faces significant challenges in achieving gender equality. These challenges are due to multiple structural factors and barriers that intersect with social, economic, legal, and political aspects. The sectarian political system in Lebanon is considered one of the most prominent obstacles to achieving gender equality, as it reinforces stereotypical values and traditions and limits women’s opportunities to participate in the private and public spheres. The sectarian political system intersects with the historical social structure characterized by hierarchy and authoritarianism, characterized by power relations between men and their subordinate women and children, especially girls. This social structure enjoys legal immunity, and sectarian personal status laws constitute an essential part of its legal immunity system. These laws are labeled “religious” to protect them from change, preserving the prevailing patriarchal structure. The lack of political will on the part of the Lebanese authorities is considered one of the most significant challenges facing the achievement of gender equality. The failure to integrate the concept of gender into national legislation and align it with the principles and provisions of international agreements, especially CEDAW, has negatively impacted the promotion of women’s and girls’ rights. The state has failed to implement the recommendations of human rights mechanisms, including CEDAW. For example, despite legislative amendments, a patriarchal mentality still prevails in Parliament, which deals with rights only partially, without taking into account the special needs of women and girls.
