When Experience Becomes Power: The Story of Sawa for Development and Its Fight for Women’s Rights

Nawal Mdallaly from Sawa for Development shared real stories from Lebanon, stories of projects designed to protect women, empower them politically, and ensure that refugee children receive essential education. She spoke about advocacy campaigns pushing to amend laws that still shape women’s daily lives. Through her words, a long struggle emerged against a political and social system that often leaves women out of key decision-making spaces. Nawal highlighted how the lack of legal protection and the weight of social norms continue to limit the political roles women can access.