The launching ceremony of the policy for the prevention, response to, and punishment of sexual harassment and domestic violence

Under the patronage of the Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief, General Rodolph Haykal, represented by Military Council Member Major General Youssef Haddad, and in the presence of Mrs. Natalie Zaarour representing First Lady Nehmat Aoun, a ceremony was held at Fouad Shehab Command and Staff College for the launch of the policy on the prevention, response to, and punishment of sexual harassment and domestic violence, within the framework of cooperation between the army's Gender Section and international and national institutions.

The ceremony was attended by the Norwegian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mrs. Hilde Haraldstad, the UN Women Representative in Lebanon, Ms. Gilan El Messiri, the wife of the Lebanese Army Commander-in-Chief, Mrs. Janet Haykal, as well as representatives from security agencies and several ambassadors, officers, and military attachés.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Brigadier General Marwa Saoud, the head of the Gender Section, delivered a welcoming speech, emphasizing that the launch of the policy demonstrates the institution's international commitment to the principles of equality and dignity. Major General Youssef Haddad also spoke, stating: "The Army Command has made significant efforts over the past years to achieve full gender equality and enhance the successful and effective role of women in the various units of the army."

The First Lady's representative affirmed that this step aligns with the state's efforts across its institutions to achieve gender equality and uphold individual dignity, praising the army's initiative as a pioneering move toward mainstreaming this approach in various state institutions.

Furthermore, the Norwegian Ambassador noted that the army is among the leading institutions to adopt a prevention policy, commending the military’s efforts for gender equality while carrying out missions in various Lebanese regions. She also highlighted Norway's commitment to continue cooperating with the army in the future.

On another note, the UN Women Representative in Lebanon praised the Army Command's efforts to create a safe working environment that protects the dignity of all its members and promotes equality among them.