First Lady of Lebanon

Wafaa Sleiman, First Lady of Lebanon

Born on June 20, 1952 in Amchit (Byblos) Lebanon. Wife of his Excellency General Michel Sleiman.

Children:

* Rita, a dentist born in 1975 and married to Engineer Wissam Baroudi, and they have three children.
* Lara, an architect born in 1978 and married to Engineer Nabil Hawat, and they have one child.
* Charbel, a 7th year medical student born in 1983 , single.

Wafaa Sleiman was born in Amchit Jbeil on June 20, 1952. In 1970, she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Teaching and Education from the Teachers Training College, followed by a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy from the Lebanese University in 1973. In 1971, and upon her graduation from university, the First lady pursued a career in the education field teaching in public schools, and then held major responsibilities in the Ministry of Education from 1989 to 1998. Mrs. Sleiman is fluent in both Arabic and French.

The First Lady is very involved in the public field namely in the education and heritage domains. Having experienced the pertinence of education for the development and progress of communities, the First lady has channeled her energies behind national associations and initiatives focused on women empowerment and children education across the country. Therefore, she has sponsored and supervised many researches and programs that support women and children rights and strive to cater for their needs. As the First Lady of Lebanon, Mrs. Sleiman heads the National Commission of Lebanese Women (NCLW), a commission that aims to improve the educational and living standards of both women and children.

Supporting and assisting families of the Lebanese Army martyrs are at the heart of the First Lady’s concerns. As a matter of fact, having been the wife of the Army Commander, Mrs. Sleiman fully understands the bewildering feelings of pride and pain and has deep sympathy towards the martyrs’ families who have suffered the loss of a relative while fulfilling his national duties. Therefore, the First Lady organizes special events and celebrations for the Lebanese Army Martyrs’ children on national and religious festivities.

Born in a region rich with outstanding Lebanese heritage treasures, Mrs. Sleiman highly appreciates natural and cultural heritage sites. Her great appreciation for the heritage incited her to become an active member of the Amchit Heritage Association, which spreads awareness about preserving the country’s heritage.

In addition to all that, Mrs. Sleiman pursues her hobbies which include music, reading, sports especially jogging and swimming.