“When I retued to Lebanon from France after completing my Master’s degree in Inteational Human Rights,I found a country in turmoil,still grappling with the aftershocks of the October 2019 uprising. My heart was filled with a deep desire to contribute to the rebirth of my homeland,yet I was uncertain about the path forward. That uncertainty dissipated when I was given the chance to work as the Project and Research Coordinator with DRI Lebanon. Despite the many crises facing our nation,this opportunity was a lifeline—it allowed me to transform my aspirations into tangible actions. I found solace in knowing that,even amid chaos,I could make a meaningful difference.
“Retuing to Lebanon was both difficult and emotional,particularly after I witnessed the utter devastation inflicted by the Beirut Port explosion on our people. My role at DRI was far from straightforward: Parliament committees were barely convening,municipalities were struggling to deliver even the most basic of services,and a pervasive sense of despair loomed over the nation. It was,and remains,an incredibly challenging environment to work in. There were moments when hope seemed like a distant dream,yet I knew deep inside that I had to keep going. I had to keep fighting for the values I believed in. Despite the overwhelming challenged,I continued my work with DRI,driven by the conviction that our efforts could still make a difference.
“The challenges we faced were immense—both professionally and personally. The sheer scale of the relentless turbulence affected our work,our activities,and even my own mental well-being. In such moments,all I could do was adapt and be resilient. That’s why I chose to remain with DRI for four and a half years,which I spent addressing the urgent issues that needed attention. We remained steadfast in our belief that strengthening local authorities,particularly in development and service delivery,could have a lasting and positive impact. I was lucky to work with colleagues who coped with grace and determination,even as we shifted to online activities during the Covid-19 pandemic,to ensure our work continued.
“Despite the multifaceted crisis,the devastation of the Beirut blast,and the ongoing vacuum at every level of goveance,we achieved significant results. Through DRI’s initiatives,we saw the seeds of change take root: capacity-building programmes flourished,women and young people were empowered,and citizens gained the confidence to step forward and run for parliamentary or municipal elections. We provided vital support by sub-granting local CSOs across Lebanon,drafting policy research papers on crucial issues like open data and “voting megacentres”,and contributing to the creation of draft laws on municipal fees and surtaxes. These accomplishments,especially in empowering young people to stay in Lebanon and take on an active role in decision-making,fill me with immense pride. They reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering resilience and inspiring a renewed sense of hope for our country’s future.
“On a personal level,my time at DRI has been profoundly enriching. Under the mentorship of André Sleiman,the Country Representative,I have grown in ways I never anticipated. Working alongside high-level experts and stakeholders has sharpened my legal and managerial skills,and helped me confront the core challenges facing Lebanese institutions with confidence and determination. This jouey has deepened my adaptability and significantly contributed to my personal and professional development.
“As a woman working in this field,I have leat that raising my voice and asserting my presence are not just necessary,but powerful tools for achieving meaningful change. Working with public officials,many of whom are men,has not always been easy,but my self-confidence and legal and technical expertise empowered me to advocate for the ideas and principles I hold dear.
“My time with DRI Lebanon has been more than just a professional experience; it has been a deeply personal jouey,one that I will carry with me as I embark on my future. The bittersweetness of saying my goodbye to such an extraordinary team come with unshakable confidence in their continued success under André’s leadership. I leave with a heart full of gratitude and a conviction that,together,we have planted the seeds of change that will one day blossom into a brighter future for Lebanon.”