Fatima Hallal Promotes Social Justice on a Regional Level
After a series of participation in volunteering initiatives and workshops in Lebanon and overseas, Fatima Hallal, an LAU MEPI TLG in Gender Studies was nominated by “Adyan Foundation”, an NGO for which Hallal volunteered between 2014 and 2017; to participate in the 10th World Assembly of Religions for Peace, an experience that could prove to be a turning point in Hallal’s advocacy journey.
With more than 900 participants across the globe, The 10th World Assembly of Religions for Peace took place in Lindau, Germany from 18 to 23 August 2019. On the first day of the event, Hallal attended the youth pre-assembly meeting gathering 100 youths from 90 different nationalities during which ‘The International Youth Committee’ was formed with a definite mission to generate action points addressing the assembly’s main topics: Enhancing Positive Peace, Transforming Violent Conflict, Promoting Just and Harmonious societies, Promoting Integral Human Development and Protecting the Earth.
Every committee member gave an overview of his/her understanding of each of the above-mentioned topics and brought on table the challenges that refrain these values from being implemented in his/her country and proposed adequate solutions.
Hallal’s responsibility was very critical at this stage; She had to deliver a rigorous study mirroring objectively the current situation in Lebanon and the MENA region.
Enjoying strong critical and analytical skills with creative approaches in addressing social problems, Hallal was nominated to represent the MENA region at the 15 member’s International Youth Committee (IYC). The IYC is the highest governing body of the RfP Global Interfaith Youth Network, composed of 90 national chapters in 6 regional bodies. Elected by acclimation by the World Assembly, Hallal now stands as a voice for global youth within Religions for Peace overall structure. She will be working closely with other members of the Committee and youth from the region for the purpose of tailoring strategies covering the five values and wrap them up into one consolidated action plan to be submitted to “ the World Assembly”.
Thanks to her high levels of engagement and dedication, Hallal took one little step at a time to promote social justice and human rights on regional levels. Hallal hopes that she can apply her knowledge on gender, peace and security into the projects and events that will be carried in the future.