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Women of the Future
Prime Minister Hariri is a strong supporter of women's rights, a pioneer in
championing opportunities for women and an ardent believer in the role women
have to play in the political, social and economic life of the country.
In the year 2000, Prime
Minister Hariri is seeking to establish the participation of women in the
upcoming elections, - not only as voters but as candidates - as one of the most
important platforms of his campaign. Prime Minister Hariri believes that change
cannot occur without the full participation of women in political life, whether
it be at parliamentary or grassroots level.
This year Prime Minister
Hariri used the Ramadan Iftars to spread his message of womens empowerment to
the Lebanese people in general and the wider polity in particular.
During every Iftar Prime
Minister Hariri called on women to become involved, to participate and to run
in the upcoming elections.
On December 21st, 1999,
he told more than 1,200 people gathered for Iftar in his home: "Progress in
society is measured by the extent of women's participation in public life. I
believe that the participation of women in society is essential. I believe
their presence in parliament is essential and adds a new dimension to the
legislative process because women have a different and more important outlook
especially regarding social and family issues."
On December 22nd, 1999,
Prime Minister Hariri said during the Iftar: "The presence of women in
parliament is more than necessary, it is a must. I call upon women to run for
parliament, and I call for an increase in the number of women in parliament."
On December 25th, 1999,
while Prime Minister Hariri was encouraging women to vote, a women voter asked
him: "Why should we vote? Our vote does not make a difference in our lives."
Prime Minister Hariri responded: "The situation in the country cannot change
unless you vote. If we want our situation to improve we have to vote." When
Prime Minister Hariri was asked if he would put women on his electoral list he
said: "It is not logical that I call for more women in parliament and not
include women in my electoral list."
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Quota For Women
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During the debate over the new election law in parliament on December 22nd,
1999, Prime Minister Hariri proposed legislation to be included in election law
that grants women a quota in the next parliament thus ensuring proper
representation for women in the political life of the country.
Prime Minister Hariri's
proposal reads: "Women constitute half of the voters in Lebanon, but their
participation in Lebanon's parliamentary life is still far below this level.
Representation of women in parliament has never exceeded three members.
Therefore, and in order to allow a wider, more effective, participation of
women and as a transitional period, we propose to add an article in the new
election law that states the following.
"Women should be awarded
two of the seats allocated to each sect that has more than ten members in
parliament. Women should get one seat out of the seats allocated to each sect
that has between five and ten members in parliament. The seats are to be
distributed among the election districts according to the schedule attached to
this law."
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