In a recent study, UN Women revealed alarming statistics about women’s unemployment in Lebanon.
The study indicated that throughout the prevailing economic crisis, female unemployment has soared by a staggering 63% between 2019 and 2020 (132,500 women) compared to the period between 2018 and 2019 (81,200 women).
According to the study, which analyzes the gendered impact of the crisis, unemployment among women in Lebanon has risen from 14.3% before the crisis to the present rate of 26%.
The UN Women report noted that the percentage of women who participate in the Lebanese labor market is already very low, as low as 23%, compared to the global average of 47%.
Additionally, it estimated that 40,000 women have left the market and are no longer seeking employment.
“This dramatic drop in women’s engagement in the economy has the potential to have a profound social and economic impact on the country,” the report read.
“Women’s engagement in the economy is proven to create stronger and more inclusive societies,” it added.
In addition to these statistics, the report shed light on the challenges that face women in the country, including systematic gender inequality and discrimination, noting the serious weight that the economic crisis, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, and the recent Beirut explosion have all added onto these problems.
In light of its concerning findings, UN Women is calling on the Lebanese government to take action to improve the lives of women in Lebanon.
In the meantime, the country’s officials are preparing to name the new prime minister who will head the next government, as the crisis intensifies and adds to the suffering of the women, men, and children of Lebanon.
