The Lebanese Democratic Women’s Gathering RDFL
Year of establishment: 1976, Registration No 25/AD
The Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering (RDFL) is a feminist, secular, non-governmental organization advocating for and raising awareness about the rights of women and girls in Lebanon. Founded in 1976, the RDFL is one of the oldest feminist organizations, one based on volunteerism.
RDFL’s vision is to achieve equality between women and men in all spheres and to provide protection from gender-based violence.
RDFL’s mission is to work on and advocate for the elimination of gender-based violence and all forms of discrimination, and to achieve full citizenship for women through a widespread and empowered membership and in collaboration with civil society.
RDFL’s values:
· Feminism
· Secularism
· Democracy
· Transparency
· Rejection of all forms of discrimination and racism
· Equality
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Main Objectives
Equality between woman and man ;
Lift all reservations on the International agreement for eliminating all forms of discrimination against women;
Apply all international agreements to ensure equality between the two genders and in order to amend unfair clauses in penal code, labor, social security, and Nationality laws;
Involve women in decision-making: within the family, at work, in politics.
Protect and promote the culture of women’s rights within human rights;
Eliminate violence against women;
Network and coordinate with women and civil society forces to enhance democracy and equality.
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Programs and Activities
ACTIVITIES
The Gathering activities revolve around 4 axes:
1- Prepare studies and research on the conditions of women in Lebanon.
2- Contribute to the organization and the implementation of pressing campaigns to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women and to protect them from violence imposed on them.
3- Program of Education on Human Rights
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Perform specialized training sessions in the field of woman’s human rights.
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Organize awareness and recognition meetings on women’s human rights.
4- Program for the Elimination of Violence against Women
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Establish Listening centers to receive victimized women.
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Provide social, psychological, and legal consultancy through specialists.
5- Adult Literacy program
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Organize training courses for program coordinators.
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Conduct adult literacy sessions for beginner and advanced levels
STRUCTURE OF THE GATHERING
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General Assembly
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The General Assembly consists of all registered members of gathering in all Lebanese regions.
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The General Assembly elects the Board of Directors every three years.
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Its duties include the drafting of future strategies and the execution and evaluation of the programs.
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Board of Directors
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The Board of Directors consists of 12 female members.
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Each branch is represented by, at least, one member in the Board of Directors.
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The Board elects from among its members: The President, the Vice-President, the General Secretary, the Treasurer,
Branches’ committees
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The General Assembly consists of all registered female members of the branch.
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The General Assembly elects a sub-committee for each branch.
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Special Concerns
Women’s Rights, Gender Equality
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Publications
Women Working in Lebanon (Dr J.Kabenji &Dr A. Atat)
Marital Violence in Lebanon – Field Study (DrF.Charafeddine& C. Succar )
Legislative Frame for the Violence against Women Issue in the Code of Penalties and its Comparison with the International Legislations
Women Defy science oppression ( Dr.A.Taleb)
A reference documents on the training of trainers in the field of human rights ( J.Merhy)
Guide assistant in the field of education and training on women’s rights (J.Merhy & M.Zeaiter)
Violence against women: Terminology / international context / cultural dimension / and ways of confrontation ( C. Succar)
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Membership and Partners
The Gathering member of :
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On the local level
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The Lebanese Women Network
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The Non-Governmental National Committee for pursuing Women’s Issues
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The Lebanese Council of Women
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On the Arab level
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Arab Women’s Forum (AISHA)
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Arab NGO Network for Development (ANND)
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On the international level
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Women’s International Democratic Federation
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Euromed Civil Forum