On March 1, 2022, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship launched its International Women’s Rights Day (IWRD) Campaign. Instead of treating the 24-hour commemoration as a one-time event, the campaign aimed to make the recognition of women’s rights a continuous effort throughout the year. Running for 31 days, the campaign was centered on Instagram, utilizing the platform to spread awareness and engage with the public. It featured three main hashtags:

#SayNoToStereotypingWomen
#WomensRightsMonth
#InternationalWomensDay

These hashtags helped to focus attention on the issues at hand. The campaign addressed stereotypes and gender discrimination across various sectors, highlighting the barriers women face in achieving equal opportunities and rights.

The IWRD Campaign also built on the success of a previous Regional Storytelling Campaign by sharing stories of five pioneering women from Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and Morocco. These stories covered achievements in sports, arts and journalism, and STEM fields, showcasing the diverse contributions of women in the MENA region.

Visual content, including graphics, data reports, and documentaries, supported these stories and provided additional context on gender inequality. The campaign also highlighted local initiatives, such as the Lebanese NGO Dawrati, which works to end period poverty, emphasizing the importance of addressing specific regional challenges.

The final topics of the campaign focused on the importance of advocacy, solidarity, and the history of the feminist movement in Lebanon. The Asfari Institute’s goal is to ensure that the recognition of women’s rights is not limited to a single day each year but is a continuous, integral part of societal progress.

As we reflect on the impact of the IWRD Campaign, it is clear that advancing gender equality requires ongoing commitment and action. The Asfari Institute remains dedicated to this cause and encourages everyone to contribute to this effort throughout the year, beyond just March 8th.