The absence of an updated national women strategy reflecting emerging needs and priorities constitutes one of the main obstacles impeding a change in policies and laws to effectively establish gender equality in Lebanon. That was the main drive behind the thorough review and updating of the ten-year national women strategy by the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW), with the support of UNFPA and in partnership with civic society, governmental and public administrations as well as grassroots organizations. After completion of a first draft in 2010, the ten-year National Women's Strategy in Lebanon was adopted in a national validation meeting held on 18-19 March and gathering representatives of some 65 organizations. Future UNFPA-supported steps will consist of the development of an operational plan of action in a participatory approach.