In the beautifull hills of Akkar, located in North Lebanon, a remarkable story of empowerment takes shape. Reem Daher, a passionate Entrepreneurship and Micro Social Enterprise Consultant, has devoted her life to challenging the status quo and uplifting women in her community. Raised in a region where traditional roles often confine women, Reem chose a different path, one that embraced her passion for social entrepreneurship. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for others and inspiring women to become agents of change.
Founding Brightful
To begin with, in 2022, Reem founded Brightful, an organization with a mission to empower women and girls to take control of their destinies. Brightful aims to equip women with the skills and confidence they need to become active and engaged citizens. Under Reem’s guidance, Brightful quickly gained recognition, competing in the GEEL venture powered by UNICEF and Injaz Lebanon. Out of 1,800 applicants, Brightful was chosen to represent Lebanon at the Youth Global Challenge in New York, where it was recognized as one of the top 10 global winners, securing $16,000 to amplify its impact. This achievement underscores the potential of women-led initiatives and Reem’s dedication to empowerment.
In addition, Brightful has made significant strides in addressing the challenges faced by women and girls in North Lebanon. One of its key initiatives is a private hotline that has supported approximately 500 girls and women by providing a safe space to report incidents of violence and harassment. This hotline serves as a lifeline, offering a platform for women to voice their concerns and seek help. Additionally, Brightful has launched educational programs targeting around 1,200 girls and women, focusing on gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Thus, by helping arm women with knowledge, Reem is fostering a culture of awareness and advocacy, empowering them to stand up for their rights.
Empowering Women beyond Lebanon
Furthermore, Reem’s commitment to women’s empowerment extends beyond her work with Brightful. She serves as a European Union Connector (EU Jeel), advocating for marginalized youth in North Lebanon. Her achievements have also led her to participate in the prestigious Study of the United States Madeleine Albright Young Women Leaders program, where she connected with other young women leaders and shared strategies for empowerment. Additionally, Reem has received numerous global scholarships and has been invited to attend international events, such as the Global Labor Market conference in KSA, the Global Learning event in Ghana, and the Global incubation workshop in Amman.
Finally, Reem firmly believes that youth and women already possess the power to change the world; they simply lack the necessary resources. She values every voice and strives to create healthier societies where everyone has equal chances, opportunities, rights, and freedom.
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