By: Lea Abdel Khalek (YES 2021-2022, Lebanon, placed by AFS-USA in Carroll, OH)

On Monday, August 26, I had the privilege of leading a workshop for 20 participants to mark Women’s Equality Day. The event was an opportunity to delve into the significance of this important day and share insights from my recent YES exchange to the United States.

During the workshop, I discussed how Women’s Equality Day commemorates the ongoing fight for gender equality and highlighted the progress made in the U.S. During my time in the States, I witnessed firsthand the strides taken towards achieving gender equality, from policy reforms to grassroots activism. These experiences were instrumental in shaping my understanding of women's rights and empowerment.

The American Corner of Beirut graciously hosted us for this event. Their support provided a platform to discuss these crucial issues and connect our local efforts with global advancements. Through personal stories and reflections from my exchange year, I explored how the progress observed in the U.S. can inspire and inform similar initiatives here in Lebanon.

The workshop was a meaningful reflection on how international experiences and local efforts can come together to advance gender equality. I’m grateful to all who participated and engaged in this important dialogue, helping to further our collective understanding and commitment to women’s rights.