Partnership Center for Development and Democracy
Following a series of opinion surveys, the Partnership Center for Development and Democracy concluded that women were unable to access pertinent health information in Lebanon. Their findings and proposed solutions were presented to the Lebanese Parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee, distributed via informational pamphlets to multi-disciplinary stakeholders, and ultimately drew the attention of the Health Ministry and National Commission for Lebanese Women.
Challenge
Investing in women's health and nutrition has proven to generate multiple payoffs in developing countries for families, communities, the national economy, and future generations. In Lebanon, however, there is a lack of knowledge regarding the meaning and importance of equal rights and access to information and health services for women. This confusion is often reflected in governmental policies and budgets, which often neglect to address issues specific to women.
Program Summary
The project conducted a survey of opinions regarding women's access to health-related information and a report was produced from the results. The report concluded that women were unable to access pertinent health information, and proposed solutions for overcoming these barriers. Lastly, the report was presented in the form of a recommendation to the Lebanese Parliamentary Administration and Justice Committee. Pamphlets on women's lack of access to health information were distributed, and multidisciplinary networking events were conducted with lawyers, public health officials, women's rights activists, government officials and other members of Lebanese civil society.
Impact
The report and its findings drew the attention of the Health Ministry, which recommended that the Directorate of Mother and Child be expanded to include specific recommendations made by the report. Moreover, the National Commission for Lebanese Women was granted powers aimed at “overviewing the execution of procedures aimed at improving women's condition, and to assure them equal opportunities as men”.
Partners
The Partnership Center for Development and Democracy (PCDD) worked closely with government officials from the Ministry of Health to implement the recommendations made in the report.