WHY KIP?
The Knowledge Is Power (KIP) project was a two-year US-funded multidisciplinary project aimed at supporting the production and dissemination of information related to gender and sexuality in Lebanon. To encourage the availability and accessibility to this kind of data, KIP's goal was to build bridges between stakeholders working in the field, including academics, civil society members, students, public and private sector representatives, and others. The KIP Project was recognized as of the AACSB's Innovation in 2017.
HOW?
The project convened a unique series of round-tables and dialogues on gender and sexuality bringing together private sector decision-makers, government officials, feminist activists, civil society leaders, and students to identify relevant themes. The project funded 15 research projects and findings were presented at a two-day academic conference on March 31 and April 1 in 2017, along with discussions, debates, and training from various stakeholders in the fields of gender and sexuality, specifically focusing on issues of discrimination and sexual harassment.
The project also held two training workshops, one targeted at students and aimed at addressing Sexual Harassment in Society and Spaces, and the other targeting Lebanese SMEs and revolving around the drafting of anti-sexual harassment guidelines and policies.
CAMPAIGNS
The KIP Index project launched the #mesh_basita campaign showing the burden and implications of every day sexual harassment of women. This national campaign evolved into a regional movement attracting support from activists and thought leaders from all over the Arab MENA ad the world.
Becky' Anderson's famous CNN interview with Dr. Karam, coined #mesh_basita as the #MeToo of the Middle East.
KIP PROJECT FUNDER
The KIP Project was made possible through generous funding of the US State Department and the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).
PRINCIPLE INVESTGATOR
This project was led by Dr. Charlotte Karam.