The Union of Progressive Women has been at the forefront of advocating for women’s rights in Lebanon for over four decades. With more than 2,000 volunteers spread across several Lebanese regions such as Baalbek, Bekaa, and Tyre, the organization has built a strong foundation for addressing gender-based issues.

Manal Said, the head of the Union of Progressive Women, outlines how the volunteers have worked tirelessly as of the beginning of the September 2024 war, to address issues like gender-based violence, and psychosocial support for women and children in shelters.

Rapid Response to the Crisis: Focusing on Women and Children

When violence escalated in Lebanon, the Union of Progressive Women immediately activated its emergency response plan. Said and her team recognized the urgency of addressing the needs of women and children, particularly the most vulnerable groups, including pregnant women and girls. “The first thing we did was hold a meeting with our taskforce, and we quickly identified that our priority should be women and children, especially girls,” Said explains.

Being a feminist organization, their response was rooted in a women-centered approach. The first priority was to address period poverty and provide essential hygiene products and clothing. The team also focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights, ensuring that women received the care and support they needed in several shelters.

Supporting Women Through the Birth Process: A Focus on Dignity and Privacy

Many of the women seeking help were nearing childbirth, and the Union of Progressive Women made sure to provide them with the necessary support. Volunteers were also instrumental in accompanying women to medical appointments and supporting them during the birth and delivery process.

Beyond the basics, the organization’s volunteers brought deep compassion to the work, helping mothers decorate their shelter rooms for the arrival of their babies and providing critical post-delivery care, including breastfeeding support and C-section recovery. The smallest details, such as offering a comforting environment for new mothers, made a significant difference for them.

Mental Health and Psychosocial Support: Healing Beyond the Physical

In addition to meeting material needs, the Union of Progressive Women placed a strong emphasis on mental health. Recognizing the trauma many women and children were experiencing, the organization provided psychosocial support through art therapy and individual therapy sessions. These initiatives were critical in helping individuals process the emotional impact of displacement and violence.

Volunteers also received training on gender-based violence (GBV) prevention, sexual harassment, and legal advocacy. This training ensured that the team was equipped to offer support and raise awareness about GBV in both displaced and host communities. “We were worried about the acceptance of the host community on GBV topics, but we noticed how rooted the problem, despite cultural barriers,” Said reflects.

The Role of Volunteers: Local Women Leading the Way

One of the most striking aspects of the Union of Progressive Women’s work is the involvement of local volunteers. Many of the women in the organization are from the communities they serve, providing a deeply rooted and community-driven response to the crisis. Volunteers cooked meals for up to 500 people daily, coordinated essential deliveries, and ensured that women’s needs were met in ways that went beyond basic material aid.

“These volunteers are also juggling their family lives, work, and other responsibilities. Their commitment to this cause is extraordinary,” Said says. The local, grassroots approach of the organization has not only provided immediate relief but has also fostered a sense of solidarity and mutual care within the communities they serve.

A Mindful Approach: Centering Women in Conflict

Despite the challenging political and financial situation, the Union of Progressive Women continues to support women and children in Lebanon with unwavering dedication. The organization’s efforts in providing both material support and psychological care are rooted in an unwavering commitment to the principles of feminism and humanitarianism. “We are doing this with our own resources, and while we’ve received donations for material needs, human presence and psychological support are key,” says Said.

Said concludes, “These are our compatriots, these are women needing us. There is no afterthought of religion or politics; we are here to serve, and we will continue to do so.”

Tala Nassif

Tala Nassif holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut and an MSc in Development Studies – Labour, Activism, and Global Commodity Chains – from SOAS University of London. Specialized in international development and economic empowerment, Tala currently serves as a Senior Research Assistant at the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at AUB.