During the sixth edition of L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women In Science Levant Fellowship Ceremony, six talented young women scientists from the Levant region were honored for the quality of their research on September 19 at the American University of Beirut, among them three Lebanese scientific researchers.
The ceremony was held under the patronage of the Prime Minister Saad El Hariri and attended by more than 200 people, including politicians, diplomats, representatives of academic and scientific institutions, and NGOs.
The L’Oréal Foundation, in partnership with UNESCO and the National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) of Lebanon, honored these women for their contributions to the advancement of science (life sciences, physics, mathematics, and computer science). Among them, the Lebanese scientists Tamara Salloum, Layla El Moussawi, and Laura-Joy Boulos.
The three other women came from Jordan, Palestine, and Iraq. During the honoring ceremony, the Lebanese Minister of State for Social and Economic Rehabilitation for Youth and Women, Violette Safadi, encouraged women to participate in finding the proper solutions for our problems.
Philippe Patsalides, General Director of L’Oreal Middle East, said: “Women’s participation in the public, economic, and political issues has evolved over the last years. Unfortunately, this evolvement doesn’t apply to Science. Our goal is to give women the space and resources they deserve to show the world that the Scientific and Technical Progress cannot be achieved without women.”
Founded in 1998, the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Awards support and recognize accomplished women researchers. Since its foundation, the L’Oréal-UNESCO Awards have recognized more than 107 laureates around the world, exceptional women who have made great advances in scientific research. Three of them have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize.
According to a report done by UNESCO in 2015, only 29% of researchers are women, and only 3% of Scientific Nobel Prizes have been awarded to women. While men and women are equally represented in scientific courses at the age of 16-19, the representation of women in scientific disciplines reduces when responsibility is increased.
Among the newest top supporters of L’Oréal Paris’ endeavors to empower women worldwide, Celine Dion has taken an important role, as she announced on April 2, 2019, becoming L’Oréal Paris’ newest Global Spokesperson.
She was quick to announce it that day, asserting, “I am so proud to announce that I’m a spokeswoman for L’Oréal Paris and will be spreading the magic words “I’m worth it” with all women around the world. I’m excited to use my voice to empower others to feel beautiful, confident, and to learn to embrace themselves.”
Another announcement from Celine Dion has just come to delight the Lebanese citizens across the country. Just a couple of days ago, while still at her European tour, Celine posted a picture of her handwriting in her mirror, “See you soon, Beirut! Love, Celine.”
@byblosfestivalDetails haven’t been shared yet with the public, other than she will be performing in Lebanon in 2020.