Hania Zaatari, a mechanical engineering specialist and head of the Licensing and Monitoring Division at the South Regional Authority, launched a personal initiative to support displaced people during the latest war on Lebanon. Leveraging technology to streamline aid distribution, she developed a WhatsApp-based chatbot—an automated messaging system that allows displaced people to request assistance from their homes, eliminating the need to visit field centers. This, she explained, ensures that aid reaches those in need in a way that "preserves their dignity and spares them the hardship of seeking help."
Her initiative emerged in response to the pressing challenge of securing aid for displaced people. Determined to provide a practical and rapid solution, Hania worked to ensure the chatbot was accessible across various Lebanese regions, offering a simple and efficient way for people to request essential supplies without barriers or discomfort.
Beyond her technical efforts, Hania highlighted the crucial role of women in society, particularly in times of crisis. She emphasized that women are often at the forefront of humanitarian response and community support. While she acknowledges that comprehensive change may not be within her immediate reach, she firmly believes that individual initiatives can make a tangible difference in people's lives.
Hania's initiative is not just a one-time emergency response. She envisions further developing the chatbot into a reliable tool that authorities could adopt during future crises. Advocating for structured action and collaboration, she stresses the power of even the smallest efforts, affirming: "Any word is better than staying silent."