Mrs. Nayla Moawad, since 14 years member of the Parliament and President of the Committee for Woman's Rights, from the Lebanese Christian opposition.

The following is an interview by Manuela Paraipan for WSN with the well-known Lebanese Christian opposition member, Mrs. Nayla Moawad. Nayla Moawad was appointed a Member of Parliament in 1991, was elected in 1992 and re-elected in 1996 and 2000. She is a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Budget and Finance, a member of the Parliamentary Committee for Education and President of the Parliamentary Committee for Women's Rights.

WSN: How did you start your career in politics?

Nayla Moawad: In post-war Lebanon, I was the first woman to enter into politics, but I did so under tragic circumstances. As you know, my husband, Rene Moawad, was assassinated just days after he was elected President of Lebanon and I felt that it was my duty to continue what my husband started. I compare it to a soldier carrying a torch who then passes it on to the next soldier. I have taken the soldier's role after the tragic death of my husband.

In a country such as Lebanon, my entering politics in the 1990s was not common. I can even say that it was courageous. I came from an area where there were many clashes between the various political clans. It was the Corsica of Lebanon, and I believe that it is a challenge for me to continue what my husband had started.

WSN: What actions have you taken over the years to encourage other Lebanese women to participate in politics? ...more