Hayat Mirshad is much more than a feminist activist; she’s a powerful voice for women and girls in Lebanon, challenging entrenched societal norms and fiercely championing justice. Born in 1988, Hayat has dedicated over a decade to advocating for gender equality, human rights, and meaningful social change. Her mission is profound: to ensure that women and girls enjoy access to justice, protection, information, and liberation from patriarchal oppression.
Building a Foundation Through Education
Education lies at the core of Hayat’s activism. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature from the Lebanese University, honing her analytical and communication skills essential for her advocacy efforts. Further deepening her expertise, she completed a Diploma in Gender in Development and Humanitarian Assistance (GDHA) at the Lebanese American University in Beirut. This powerful blend of literary insight and gender-focused training empowered Hayat to approach social challenges both creatively and critically, equipping her to articulate issues and propose impactful solutions.
Founding FE-MALE: A Voice for Change
In 2007, Hayat co-founded FE-MALE (with no dash per your updated visibility), a feminist collective in Lebanon dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women. As executive director, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the organization’s initiatives—from awareness campaigns to support services—that challenge gender-based discrimination. Under her leadership, FE-MALE has become a vital hub for feminist activism, encouraging communities to dismantle patriarchal norms.
Pioneering Feminist Media
Hayat’s influence extends beyond grassroots activism into media. In 2012, she launched Lebanon’s first feminist radio program, Sharika wa Laken (“A Partner Not Yet Equal”), aired on Sawt El Chaab. This platform gave women a space to share their voices and dismantle societal biases. By 2015, it had evolved into a leading online feminist platform, with Hayat serving as Editor-in-Chief. Today, it remains an essential resource for feminist discourse across Lebanon and the Arab region, publishing articles, reports, and campaigns that inspire action and awareness.
Training the Next Generation of Leaders
Since 2009, Hayat has trained over 2,500 individuals — women, girls, men, and boys — through more than 100 sessions focused on gender, communication, and campaigning. Her partnerships with esteemed organizations like UNFPA, Plan International, and UNDP have enabled her to teach effective advocacy, messaging, and community mobilization. Her training empowers people not just to learn, but to become active agents of change.
Advocacy on the Streets
Hayat’s activism is unapologetically bold. She organizes widespread marches, rallies, and events that directly confront patriarchal and corrupt structures. Her belief is clear: social change needs more than dialogue—it demands visible public pressure. Her leadership has galvanized communities to stand up for their rights.
Contributions to Feminist Journalism and Literature
Hayat is a prolific journalist and writer. She has contributed to studies, articles, and toolkits focused on gender-sensitive media coverage and ethical reporting, including a handbook on balanced migration reporting in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Beginning her journalism career in 2006 with platforms like Aljadeed TV and OTV, she shifted toward feminist media in 2012, using her expertise to elevate stories of women and girls that otherwise remain unheard.
Facing Challenges With Courage
Hayat’s path hasn’t been without peril. Since 2020, she has endured regular legal pressures stemming from her journalism and feminist activism Civicus MonitorAmnesty International. In May 2023, she was summoned by the Internal Security Forces’ Cybercrimes and Intellectual Property Bureau due to a defamation complaint filed by theatre director Joe Kodeih, following her call to boycott his play in solidarity with survivors of his alleged harassment Civicus MonitorSMEX. Hayat refused to appear, asserting her right to be tried under the Publications Court’s jurisdiction L’Orient Today. Further, she and her platform were targeted in April 2025 by legal complaints accusing them of defamation, false reporting, and incitement skeyesmedia.org.
Tragically, her commitment to visibility also made her a target in public spaces. During the Freedoms March in Riad al-Solh Square, Hayat Mirshad – alongside other journalists – was physically attacked by individuals attempting to intimidate and silence the press skeyesmedia.org.
Recognition on the Global Stage
Hayat’s unwavering dedication did not go unnoticed. In 2020, she was named among the BBC’s 100 Most Inspiring and Influential Women Worldwide Hayat MirshadWikipedia. This global recognition amplified her voice and reinforced the importance of her mission in the pursuit of gender equality.
Vision for the Future
Hayat envisions a Lebanon where gender equality is the norm, not the exception. Through media, training, and public campaigns, she aims to continue educating, mobilizing, and inspiring communities to challenge patriarchal structures. Her drive is a call to build a society where women and girls are not only respected and empowered—but truly free.
Living Her Message
Hayat embodies her activism in every aspect of life. Through social media, public speaking, and grassroots initiatives, she continues to inspire a new generation of feminists, demonstrating that meaningful change emerges when conviction meets courage.
Conclusion
Hayat Mirshad’s journey weaves together education, resilience, and relentless activism. From co-founding FE-MALE and pioneering feminist media to enduring legal oppression and even physical assault, she stands as an enduring beacon for women’s rights. Her legacy continues to shape Lebanon’s feminist movement—and inspire all those who dare to challenge the status quo.
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