RMF and Plan International’s efforts to empower women subject to early marriage bears fruit as a project targeting these vulnerable groups approaches the end of its cycle

In an ideal world, people should be completely in charge of their lives and capable of making their own decisions freely and openly. However, for many individuals, this basic tenet of a decent existence might prove itself unfeasible, as circumstances, both environmental and social, tend to often impose themselves by force, and, in some cases, enslave those that are subject to them indefinitely. In the ranks of social circumstances that rob individuals of their right to make the most important choices in their lives, we can find pre-arranged and early marriage, often, but not always, going hand-in-hand, to bring about an almost tyrannical phenomenon that disguises itself under good intentions. Although there is expert consensus on the matter, one does not need to be an expert to know how devastating to the psyche, and indeed to an entire life path, early marriage can be. In an effort to empower women in the regions of Dennieh, Tripoli and Minnieh, where this tradition is still relatively common, RMF, funded by Plan International, implemented a 1.5 years project, targeting around 3000 women  of Syrian and Lebanese nationalities, between the ages of 11 and 24, subjected to early marriage. Activities such as vocational skill training, awareness raising and self-empowerment sessions were used to aid the females cope better, if not overcome, their ordeals.

“It’s not just the activities, it’s the context. I feel like I am a mother to them, and they feel like they are a family. They finally have someone that listens to them without fearing rejection or scolding. They have a new sense of belonging,” said a trainer of a sewing class. “To leave home, learn how to sew clothes for my kids during winter, and have something besides cooking to do… for a lot of women that might not mean much, but for me it means a lot. I feel more confident, more outgoing, and far less isolated. I honestly would love for RMF to make the activities last longer and be more varied in nature!” a trainee at a sewing class exclaimed. Her colleague added, “The best part is that we had the freedom to bring our kids along without worrying about who to leave them with. This helped many of us bond better as mothers.” With the positive feedback that the project has received, locals seem to be anticipating RMF’s next contribution to the region.

Kfardlakos citizens express how they’ve regained their trust in NGOs as USAID completes a project involving the installation of Solar Water Heaters and LED Streetlights in their Town

When it comes to Humanitarian work and Philanthropy, it is often thought that since good intentions are present, and one side has a willingness to give or to assist, then naturally the second party, the beneficiaries, should by default have a willingness to receive. However, after decades of less-than-perfect implementation of projects, NGO work has been shunned in some areas of Lebanon, which gave birth to a new challenge for those involved in humanitarian work in the country, embodied by a general lack of trust in their ventures, as they scan regions for vulnerable populations with very tangible and dire needs.

“Initially we weren’t sure what to expect, we were let down by NGOs before” stated Ms. Zeina Al Ba’ee, one of the members of the families which benefited from the 64 Solar Water Heaters installed in Kfardlakos. “RMF funded by USAID did an excellent job, and they were very warm and friendly, and thankfully, the Water Heaters work great, and we’re saving a lot of money on electricity each month, I’m glad I voiced my need. I hope that we have more projects implemented by RMF and USAID moving forward,” she added. Mayor Mansour Nakad expressed that there was a general lack of trust by locals regarding the project as NGOs having been accumulating a poor reputation over the years, be it due to hearsay or to actual malpractice. “It’s a small town, and locals got to see how precise and meticulous the work of RMF is, and suddenly, those who told us they wanted no part in the project came back regretful, asking us if more Water Heaters will be installed in the future!” M. Nakad exclaimed. As an active member of Kfradlakos’ municipality, M. Marcel Nakad said that many families were pleased with the 83 LED streetlights which were installed in the region as part of the same project. He elaborated by stating that it helps locals feel safer at night, when street lights aren’t always on, and he only wished that more security enforcing projects, such as the installation of street cameras, could be implemented by RMF and USAID in the future. Around 4870 residents benefited from the project, as local beneficiaries and citizens alike said that if all future projects in the town carry the same level of seriousness in application, and sincerity in terms of humanitarianism, focusing purely on needs without segregation, then their trust in NGO work, which was once lost, can now be considered “restored”.