Zawaya El Jiran is a community solidarity space in Qsarnaba, Bekaa, created in response to the overlapping crises that have shaped everyday life in Lebanon in recent years. In a context marked by economic hardship, displacement, and shrinking public and humanitarian support, many people — especially women, children, youth, and persons with disabilities — face isolation, insecurity, and limited access to safe and inclusive spaces. Zawaya El Jiran responds to these realities by offering a physical, welcoming hub grounded in care, dignity, and mutual support. We bring people together through everyday activities — sharing coffee, learning, playing, creating, and reflecting — recognizing daily interaction as a foundation for healing, trust, and social cohesion. The space is community-owned and shaped by the people who use it. Founded in July 2025 by feminist practitioners with over 15 years of experience in gender equality, peacebuilding, and humanitarian action, Zawaya El Jiran is rooted in local knowledge, long-term relationships, and inclusive practices. We work to ensure that women, girls, and persons with disabilities can safely access community life, support, and information.
Meet the team
Zeina Dirani (she/her)
Co-founder and Program Coordinator
Experienced coordinator with over ten years of NGO programming, financing, education, emergency response, and support to grassroots feminist movements and women-led initiatives. Zeina’s work is rooted in activist accompaniment, movement support, and community-based organizing, particularly in multicultural and bilingual contexts. She brings strong coordination, communication, and relational skills, working through an intersectional justice, inclusion, and collective learning lens.
Katrin Hermanek (she/her)
Co-founder and Outreach & Fundraising Coordinator
A Women, Peace and Security and gender equality practitioner with experience in UN programming, migration governance, and humanitarian response. Katrin combines policy-level program analysis and donor engagement with hands-on, community-based work supporting refugees and conflict-affected communities across Lebanon and Europe.
Fatima Hadi (she/her)
Community Space Supervisor
Al Osra Association
Al Osra Association (Family Association in Hosh al-Rafiqa) is the umbrella organization under which Zawaya El Jiran operates. Established in 2021, Al Osra is a Lebanese non-political, non-profit association registered in the Baalbek district. It provides the legal, administrative, and governance framework that enables Zawaya El Jiran to operate sustainably while remaining responsive to community needs.
Al Osra was founded to support communities in the Baalbek-Hermel region through social solidarity, livelihoods support, and community development initiatives. Its registered objectives include assisting people in need, supporting farmers and agricultural development, creating job opportunities, and promoting environmental protection. In practice, Al Osra’s work has evolved to include inclusive spaces, social cohesion activities, and initiatives that promote dignity, care, and mutual support.
Al Osra is governed by a General Assembly and an Administrative Board elected according to its bylaws. The Administrative Board manages the association’s affairs, resources, and representation before official authorities. The association’s resources, including membership fees, donations, and legally approved aid, are used exclusively to achieve its objectives.
Administrative Board
- Ahmed Al-Maqdad – President
- R.H. – Vice President
- Ghewa Nasr – Secretary
- Thuraya Taqtaq – Treasurer
- Hayat Akoury – Accountant
Zawaya El Jiran 