NNA - (Government of Australia and UN Women Lebanon). The Government of Australia and UN Women Lebanon are proud to announce the launch of a new initiative titled “Crisis-Affected Women in Lebanon – Leadership, Empowerment, Access and Protection (LEAP).” This two-year project, funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), commenced on 1 January 2025 and aims to advance women’s rights, safety, economic participation and leadership in Lebanon.
Building on Australia’s long-standing commitment to gender equality in conflict-affected contexts, the LEAP project will support over 4,600 crisis-affected women across Lebanonfocusing on immediate relief and long-term resilience. Participants will gain access to short-term income-generating opportunities through cash-for-work programmes, alongside skills development that enables sustainable livelihood options.Additionally, the project will provide critical protection services, including awareness on gender-based violence (GBV), psycho-social support, and legal aid and referral services for survivors and at-risk women and girls.
Priority will be given to women facing intersecting vulnerabilities—including female-headed households, women with disabilities, and Syrian refugee women—to ensure that support reaches those who need it most. The project will also bolster women-led businesses and cooperatives affected by the crisis, helping them sustain operations, retain employees, and generate further job opportunities for women.
In total, LEAP is expected to indirectly benefit over 6,200 household members, contributing to inclusive community recovery and improved well-being.
H.E. Andrew Barnes, the Australian Ambassador to Lebanon, said, “As Lebanon emerges from a period of profound hardship, investing in women’s economic empowerment is not just timely - it is essential. True recovery demands transformative change, and that begins with unlocking the full potential of women as drivers of economic resilience and inclusive growth. Australia is proud to support this vision, in partnership with UN Women.”
The 2024 conflict, which displaced over 1.2 million people before a cessation of hostilities agreement was brokered on 27 November 2024, further exacerbated gender inequalities. Women and girls who represented over 51% of the displaced population, faced heightened risks of gender-based violence and economic marginalization. Many lost access to income, education, and critical services—undermining their security and independence.
The LEAP project directly responds to these realities by integrating gender-responsive humanitarian assistance with long-term development, offering women the tools, resources, and protections needed to recover and rebuild their lives with dignity and agency.
“The LEAP project is about restoring dignity, rebuilding livelihoods, and amplifying the leadership of women in Lebanon’s recovery,” said Gielan Elmessiri, UN Women Representative in Lebanon. “Thanks to the partnership with DFAT, our shared commitment to ensuring that women are not only protected during crises but are at the center of recovery and decision-making can be realized.”
By investing in women’s leadership, economic empowerment, and protection, LEAP contributes to a more gender-equal and resilient future for Lebanon.
