Understanding Masculinities: Results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) in Lebanon

Gender relations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) have become a subject of heated debate. The International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) MENA country report for Lebanon strives to understand gendered life experiences of both men and women aged 18 to 59. In light of the ongoing conflict in Syria and the great number of Syrians residing in Lebanese communities, the decision was made to include both Lebanese and Syrians in the study sample.

This report presents the quantitative findings from Lebanon, which form a part of the IMAGES MENA multi-country study in Egypt, Morocco, Palestine and Lebanon.  To better understand how masculinities and gender relations are affected by the post-conflict setting and conflict-related displacement in Lebanon, a qualitative partner study was conducted by ABAAD (Research Center for Gender Equality). IMAGES studies emphasize the importance of understanding men’s behavior and attitudes, which allows for more effective involvement of men in fostering gender equality. In the Arab context, men have often been left behind in initiatives addressing gender related issues. IMAGES MENA Lebanon provides advancement around how men can be engaged in empowering women, raising awareness, and promoting gender equality in both public and private spheres.

The regional report, Understanding Masculinities: Results from the International Men and Gender Equality Survey (IMAGES) – Middle East and North Africa, is available online here.