Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women: An International Women’s Day Address  

On March 7, 2023, the Department of Student Affairs, in collaboration with the student-led Women Empowerment Club, hosted an inspiring address titled "Breaking Barriers and Empowering Women" at The Generals Smart Hall. The interactive forum brought together the university community to examine systemic challenges, legal safeguards, and institutional opportunities surrounding women’s rights and gender parity.  
The event featured Ms. Karma Ekmekji, Senior Fellow at the Issam Fares Institute at AUB, founder of the "Diplowomen" initiative, and former International Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister of Lebanon. Drawing from her career in diplomacy, peacemaking, and international security, Ms. Ekmekji offered students valuable perspectives on navigating leadership, policy, and strategic negotiations.  
The forum served as an active space to challenge cultural prejudices, dismantle stereotypes regarding women in political governance, and foster open dialogue around structural barriers to equality. Through the sharing of real-world insights, the initiative encouraged students, particularly young women, to embrace strategic civic engagement, pursue ambitious career paths, and take on leadership roles across all sectors of society.