Institution to participate in Women On board Project (Syndicates, Universities or Organizations

About the Program:  

LLWB, in partnership with UK embassy Foreign, commonwealth & Development office (FCDO) is leading on a project that aims to facilitate and increase female representation on the boards of organizations, syndicates, and universities, promoting gender equality and diversity in decision-making positions.  

In this program LLWB will work closely with two selected institutions (whether Syndicates, Universities, NGOs, other type of CSOs). 

LLWB will conduct gender audits of the 2 institutions be it syndicates, Universities and or Organizations, after the gender audit, develop gender action plans for the institutions and lead on training of the stakeholders of these institutions on issues related to gender mainstreaming, equality, diversity and inclusion. 

Participating institutions will identify gaps in knowledge and practice for gender mainstreaming at various levels. The institutions will develop a gender-sensitive action plan. The participatory methodology will help identify needs for capacity building in gender at the levels of individuals and the organization.  

The project will also, later, offer mentorship one to one opportunities for women selected from these institutions. Mentorship program will focus on supporting the selected women to be members of boards, as per LLWB flagship journey of supporting women in boards of various institutions.  

The project will also support selected women from each institution to receive 2 certifications of graduation recognized internationally: the Board Diversity Program and the Corporate Directors Program. 

Scope of institution:   

LLWB is seeking to selected 2institutions CSOs in Lebanon, acting and operating in Lebanon to participate in the Women on Board project for a period of 9 months, from August 2024 to March 31, 2025. The institution should commit to the following activities: 

1. Gender Audit Assessment: 

   - The institution should undergo a gender audit assessment conducted by a certified gender auditor within 2 months. This will include desk review of documents by the institutions, site visits, focus group discussions organized by the gender auditor, at least 5 semi-structured key informant interviews (KIIs), and an anonymous survey. A gender audit report will be developed and sent to the institution highlighting main recommendations, success stories and areas of improvement in terms of gender mainstreaming. 

   - The institution should collaborate with the expert, as another phase to develop a gender action plan based on the assessment report developed previously the gender action plan will serve the institution to have a strategic overview and clear action items, they can follow up mainstream gender in the institution 

   - All information gathered during the gender assessment will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to anyone other than LLWB and the expert, except with the institution's approval. 

2. Training Program for Women: 
The institution should select 30 women to attend a 5-day training program. This program will focus on the Women on Board law, diversity, gender equality and inclusion, women's rights in the workplace, and communication. The training will be developed and communicated to all the entity members to attend in collaboration with their board and internal managers. The entity needs to ensure that at least 25 women attend each of the training session. This activity should be done within September and October 2024.

3. Mentorship Program: 
LLWB will put at the service of the beneficiaries’ extra sessions with other mentors within LLWB network for other skills and support they may need such as advocacy, legal support, mental wellbeing etc. The objective of the mentorship is primarily to support the participants run for decision-making positions and find solutions to gender-related challenges within any institution as per the WoB journey. The mentorship will also focus on WOB from setting strategies, making, or joining coalitions, campaigning and assuming leadership roles.  The institution in collaboration with LLWB Team and the experts should select at least 5 women to participate in a one-on-one mentorship program within 1 month. Each participant will receive 5 sessions, totaling 25 sessions for the 5 women selected. 

4. ESA Program Participation: 
The institution should ensure that 5 women attend the ESA program (Women on Board). LLWB will monitor these women to ensure their success and commitment. Each participant will sign a commitment letter to complete the certification and pass the exam. 5 women trained, and mentored from each entity, will be selected to be registered by LLWB and to benefit from the Certified Corporate Director Program. This program enables attendees to learn more about the best international standards regarding Governance, Compliance and Risk Management through the dynamic assistance of facilitators selected by the IFC. They will need to commit to attending the sessions and to pass the exams and evaluation of the program as set by ESA/IFG and attend graduation. 

 After completing an online exam, attendees will receive 2 certifications of graduation recognized internationally as the Board Diversity Program and the Corporate Directors Program. The program will take place online and it covers some of the following modules: • Module 1: Accelerating Gender Diversity on Boards • Module 2: Closing the Deal • Module 3: Gender Dynamics • Module 4: Strategies for Igniting Change.  
5. Marketing Campaign and Podcasts: 

The institution should participate in the marketing campaign and involve women in 6 podcasts organized by LLWB. This should be completed within 2 months. 

6. Closing Event Participation: 
The institution should attend the project's closing event and share insights with partners on impact of the project. This event will take place over 1 day. 

Benefits for the Institution: 

The institution will benefit from the following: 

• Assessment by a Certified Gender Auditor: The institution will receive a comprehensive gender audit assessment conducted by a certified gender auditor by ILO. 
• Gender Action Plan: The institution will obtain a gender action plan that can be beneficial for future projects. 
• Training and Mentorship: The institution will have the opportunity to train and mentor their employees, enhancing their knowledge and preparing them for leadership positions. 
• ESA Certification: Five women from the institution will receive ESA certification free of charge: the Board Diversity Program and the Corporate Directors Program. 

  Timeline:  

  The institution should be committed to the project and participate in all its activities within the period from August 2024 to March 2025. 
   

  Required Qualifications:  

  The institutions (whether Syndicates, Universities, NGOs, other type of CSOs) interested to be part of this project should and committed to its activities from August 2024 to March 2025 

  1. Having a minimum of 30 women employed.  

  2. Possessing an established board.  

  3. Demonstrating willingness to share internal documents and information necessary for assessment, including policies and regulations.  

  4. Committing to the planned activities and outcomes of the project. 

   5. Commitment to have Women on its board by 2030. 

  The institution selected should sign a commitment letter to guarantee its participation in the project.