Single Events

The Iftar ceremony began with a welcome speech from Nancy Khalaf (a media figure), who emphasized the need of supporting the breadwinner woman, as she is the heroine who performs the roles of both men and women and pays the price with her health and time.

Violette Khairallah Safadi, Minister of State for Women and Youth Empowerment, delivered a speech in which she emphasized the importance of man striving for the good of humanity, away from any private benefit, but rather in accordance with the directions brought by heavenly religions and enshrined by lofty value systems throughout the ages. Al-Safadi further clarified that the association’s mission goes beyond merely doing good; rather, it extends a helping hand to vulnerable and marginalized people in order to help them find their way to real redemption. Thus, programs for rehabilitation and training as well as the development of structures that provide personal and family empowerment in order to foster an active sense of community are necessary.

Therefore, “Ghirass” high-quality initiatives and events earned it the trust of official and civil, local, and international entities, consequently, several protocols, coordination, and agreements were formed. She added that the association has gained the community’s confidence through these strategies that are considered strong foundations for “Ghirass” at a pace that accelerates in its rhythm day after day and project after project. This is what motivates the ministry to strengthen the bonds of cooperation with Ghirass. In her last statement, she stated that the ministry’s goal is to empower women and youth through a general, multi-faceted strategy with the hope that it would be implemented once the general budget is approved.

“Ghirass” statement was delivered by its Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Sami Al-Khatib, who tackled the challenging reality that the Lebanese citizen are dealing with, as this is evident with every pharmacy bill or store purchase. However, the Lebanese have a sincere desire for good, and “Ghirass” is nothing more than an implant that promotes societal good in the absence of a functioning state.

Al-Khatib went on to say that “Ghirass” is in its seventh year, and its roots have grown deeper in the earth, its branches have spread throughout the country, its fragrance has spread in the homes of the poor and needy, and it is taking steady steps with a confident methodology in the service, growth, and development of society. “Our projects include a wide range of topics, including child care, family empowerment, awareness and preventive campaigns, youth programs, community rehabilitation, seasonal projects, and localization projects based on the principles of sustainable development, with a strategy of openness to local and international organizations, and the signing of collaboration agreements with UNHCR, MEDAIR, ANERA, and other institutions dedicated to serving humanity.” Then he expressed the desire to collaborate with the Ministry of State for Economic Empowerment of Women and Youth in order to support the youth, improve the capacities of Lebanese women, and care for the family in long-term programs and initiatives of public interest.

The event featured the showing of two movies: one about the “Not the End of the World” project and the other about the “Tamkeen” project. It also included a speech from Jana, who revealed the accomplishments of her mother, “Umm Habib,” who supported the family after the death of her father.

Furthermore, an exhibition of handicrafts for a number of women took place on the sideline of the event. The event ended with the honoring of Minister Violette Safadi and Mr. Mutasim Mahmassani, General Manager of Al Baraka Bank.