Women-Led Kitchen Becomes a Lifeline for Displaced Families and Persons with Disabilities during Lebanon’s Conflict

Today, December 3, as we mark the International Day for Persons with Disabilities, the United Nations in Lebanon celebrates the extraordinary stories of resilience, leadership, and empowerment in times of crisis, exemplified by the ‘Access Kitchen’ initiative in Lebanon. 

Launched in 2022 by UN Women in collaboration with the Lebanese Union for Persons with Physical Disabilities (LUPD), this women-led community kitchen is a beacon of hope for women with disabilities, who are using their skills, leadership, and determination to support their communities and uplift people in need amid unprecedented challenges facing the country.

A Kitchen That Transforms Lives

‘Access Kitchen’, designed to accommodate the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, trains women to prepare and distribute hot meals to underserved families. The initiative tackles Lebanon’s food insecurity caused by the crisis while promoting social inclusion, gender equality, and economic empowerment of women with disabilities. Before the conflict, Access Kitchen employed 40 women with disabilities to produce over 1,000 hot meals for vulnerable families living in Beirut.

As Lebanon faced the devastating impacts of the war that significantly escalated in September 2024, the kitchen became a lifeline for displaced families and persons with disabilities, producing and distributing over 9,000 hot meals to those seeking refuge in collective shelters. 

Funded by the Government of Australia and previously by the Government of Japan, Access Kitchen scaled up its operations in October 2024, reaching even more vulnerable populations, including individuals living outside collective shelters. The World Food Programme (WFP) has also supported LUPD with in-kind contributions through raw materials to produce hot meals.

Voices of Leadership and Hope

The women of Access Kitchen are more than chefs; they are leaders, advocates, and changemakers. Each one of them brings a unique perspective and drive to build a more inclusive society where every person counts, and every need is heard. 

Riwa Hattab, 21, reflects on her journey in a kitchen that has become a vital part of her life and her extended community family: “As a woman with a disability, I feel a strong sense of responsibility towards my community. The war may have made us more vulnerable, but it also showed us the power of solidarity,” she said.

Highlighting how personal challenges can inspire determination and drive positive change, Riwa added, “My disability didn’t hold me back from delivering assistance; on the contrary, it fueled my resolve and determination. We can use our experiences to communicate, adapt, and promote inclusivity.

“Today, we stand firm in asserting our right to a full and meaningful life while contributing to our community’s growth” - Riwa.

For Samira Yamout, 26, the sense of pride and strength she gained was immense, let alone leadership. “Delivering hot meals to displaced families fills me with pride. I urge all women with disabilities not to succumb to vulnerability but to find strength within. By being leaders and supporting each other, together, we can show the world we are not just survivors but also leaders in times of crisis.”

Hanan Bathatha, 31, highlights the great sense of fulfillment she found in serving others:
“Helping my community makes me feel I have a valuable role in society. 

It’s time to dispel the misconception that women with disabilities are not part of the solution. Let’s unite and show the world our potential to make significant contributions.”

A Call for Inclusion and Diversity

The success of ‘Access Kitchen is a testament to what is possible when inclusion is prioritized. By equipping women with disabilities with the tools and opportunities to lead, this initiative proves that diversity is not a limitation but a strength.

As we mark this significant day, the stories of Riwa, Samira, and Hanan inspire us to call for a world where people in their diversity, have the chance to thrive. These stories recognize women and girls with disabilities as rights holders and agents of change in all contexts. Their journeys remind us of the importance of giving voice to persons with disabilities, including women, ensuring their equal representation, upholding their dignity, and working together to build a more inclusive and resilient society.

*** THE END***

Discover the UN’s vision and unwavering commitment to the inclusion of persons with disabilities. Learn more at: https://www.un.org/en/content/disabilitystrategy/ . #InclusionMatters