Since Lebanon’s economic collapse began, women across the country have faced rising financial pressure and growing forms of economic gender-based violence. As incomes shrank and services deteriorated, many women became increasingly dependent on male relatives who controlled work opportunities, assets, and household finances. These patterns, already rooted in social norms and personal status laws, became more visible and more harmful under crisis conditions.

To understand how this affects women’s daily lives, the Government of the Netherlands commissioned Triangle to carry out an eight-month national study with Lebanese civil society organisations. Through a mix of surveys, interviews with survivors, and analysis of Lebanon’s legal and social protection systems, the research explored how economic violence is experienced, how communities understand it, and how well current institutions respond.

The study found widespread economic control: women were far less likely to earn income, own property, or influence financial decisions, and many described being prevented from working or pressured to give up inheritance. These behaviours were often seen as normal within families, and many respondents—men and women—accepted male authority over finances. At the same time, survivors had limited awareness of available support, and most did not trust formal institutions to protect their economic rights, making civil society organisations the primary source of help.

The report highlights the need to expand women’s access to work and education, strengthen legal assistance, improve referral pathways, and increase public understanding of economic abuse. Addressing these gaps would allow Lebanon to better recognise economic control as a form of violence and support women in gaining the autonomy and stability they need.