In the midst of Lebanon’s ongoing economic challenges, the “#بعلمها_منكبر” (translated as “#HerEducation_OurGrowth”) campaign was launched by the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship in partnership with the Issam Fares Institute and the Malala Fund. This campaign is more than just a call for gender equality—it is a strategic push for integrating education into the larger framework of human security and social justice, especially in the context of the IMF and the Government of Lebanon’s (GoL) Restructuring and Reform Plan.

Context and Vision: Education as a Pillar of Social Justice

As Lebanon navigates a series of austerity measures and economic reforms under the guidance of the IMF, the “#بعلمها_منكبر” campaign seeks to highlight the often overlooked gendered impacts of these policies. The campaign emphasizes that girls’ education is not merely a social issue but a fundamental component of economic recovery, social justice, and human security.

By focusing on the intersection of education, gender, and economic policy, the campaign aims to shift the narrative. It challenges the traditional view of education as a sectoral concern and positions it as a critical lever for broader societal transformation. In doing so, the campaign underscores the need for inclusive policies that protect and promote access to education for all, particularly girls and women, amidst Lebanon’s multifaceted crises.

Objectives and Key Messages: Advocacy through Awareness

The campaign is strategically designed with clear objectives:

1. Raising Awareness: Educate the public and policymakers on the gendered implications of the IMF and GoL Restructuring and Reform Plan, particularly how austerity measures can disproportionately affect girls and women.
2. Lobbying for Social Protection: Advocate for the integration of social protection schemes within the ongoing IMF-GoL negotiations, ensuring that the education sector is safeguarded and prioritized.
3. Mobilizing Stakeholders: Engage public officials, civil society organizations, donors, and experts in a policy dialogue that positions education as an enabler of social justice and a crucial element of human security.

The key messages are equally powerful:

1. Gendered Impacts of Austerity: The campaign sheds light on how austerity measures can exacerbate existing inequalities, particularly affecting vulnerable groups such as girls and women.
2. Education as an Equalizer: Promoting education as a tool for social justice, economic development, and social mobility.
3. Universal Access: Advocating for the right to quality education for every girl and woman, without any conditions.

A Movement for Change

The “#بعلمها_منكبر” campaign is a timely and necessary initiative that brings to light the essential role of education in Lebanon’s recovery and reform efforts. By advocating for girls’ education as a pathway to social justice and economic stability, the campaign challenges us all to reconsider the broader implications of economic policies and to advocate for a future where every girl has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to society.