Italy's ambassador to Lebanon, Nicoletta Bombardiere on Monday paid tribute to the role played by women and girls in Lebanon, calling them "drivers for peace and change" in the crisis-hit Middle East country.
"My special thoughts go to Lebanese women and to their courage," Bombardiere said in a video message to mark International Women's Day.
"They have played a vital role in responding to the Beirut port explosions and to the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among other unfolding crises," Bombardiere went on.
Bombardiere referred to the 4 August 2020 explosions at Beirut's port when 2,750 tonnes of unsafely stored ammonium nitrate detonated, killing at least 210 people and injuring 7,500. The blasts caused 15 billion dollars of damage and left around 300,000 people homeless.
"They (females) are drivers for peace and change and for building back a better Lebanon, " Bombardiere underlined.
Almost half of the population of six million has been driven into poverty in Lebanon where the Coronavirus pandemic has compounded hardship amid a protracted economic and political crisis.
Women and girls' "outstanding contribution at all levels" should be honoured "today and every day", Bombardiere said.
Support should be rallied for female citizens "to shape a peaceful and gender-equal society in Lebanon," Bombardiere concluded.
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