We Lead in Lebanon: Improving sexual health services

When she was just 18, Celine joined the Red Cross as a volunteer. “On one of my missions I helped a migrant woman give birth. She was completely panicked because she didn’t know anything about childbirth.” Celine decided she wanted to do something for this group of women. “In collaboration with Marsa, I developed a workshop for migrant women on sexual, reproductive and maternal health. After that workshop, Marsa asked me to come and work for them.”

Celine sees We Lead as a driver of inclusivity within Marsa’s work. “Every year we organize a course for care providers, care recipients and activists. Its aim is to improve our sexual health services so we can reach and help more women. Last year, thanks to We Lead, we were also able to invite colleagues from Tunisia, Morocco and Jordan. We all have similar challenges and can learn a lot from each other.

Several steps behind

In Lebanon, sexual and reproductive health care leaves much to be desired. There is a shortage of specialized healthcare providers, and due to the economic crisis, the costs of sanitary napkins and condoms are sky-high. Moreover, almost no sex education is given at schools and universities. Women are several steps behind, according to Celine. “They’ve been raised to believe that sexuality and menstruation are something to be ashamed of. So they don’t dare ask any questions about this.” It is also difficult for the LGBTIQ+ community. “We have a law in Lebanon that prohibits and punishes a sexual relationship that clashes with the ‘laws of nature.’ Each judge can interpret this law as he likes. LGBTIQ+ people are therefore always afraid of being arrested by the police, even if they haven’t done anything wrong. They don’t feel safe about consulting healthcare providers about their sexual health.” With We Lead, Celine is working to change this.

Boosting inclusivity

Celine sees We Lead as a driver of inclusivity within Marsa’s work. “Every year we organize a course for care providers, care recipients and activists. Its aim is to improve our sexual health services so we can reach and help more women. Last year, thanks to We Lead, we were also able to invite colleagues from Tunisia, Morocco and Jordan. We all have similar challenges and can learn a lot from each other. For example, I now know more about the problems that transgender people and people with disabilities face. I want to focus even more on making care accessible for these groups.” Thanks to We Lead, Marsa has been able to provide extensive sexual education training in Lebanon and Jordan, significantly increasing the number of people professionally trained to provide information about sexuality and health.