Marsa, Arabic for “dockyard”, was established in 2011 and registered within the Ministry of Interior as a non-governmental organization, to cater to the needs of the local community specifically in accessing comprehensive sexual health education and services. Since then, Marsa has continued to be a safe harbor for people of all ages and backgrounds to access their sexual rights and services in an affable, non-judgmental environment.

Through the years Marsa has honed its strategy to advocate for equitable and inclusive Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Lebanon. Beyond service provision, Marsa continuously expands on its educational activities to include diverse sexual and reproductive health topics tailored to our clients’ needs and lifestyles. Moreover, the center’s knowledge production extends to scientific research on SRHR, which could also serve as a great tool for activists across the region. Through campaigning, Marsa continues to challenge preconceived notions and misconceptions regarding SRHR using evidence-based and scientific information in an inclusive and sex-positive approach.

Marsa’s Mission

Marsa Sexual Health Center provides sexual and reproductive health services from a multidisciplinary team in a safe, welcoming, accessible, and friendly environment that is free from judgment and bias, with a focus on women, vulnerable groups, and economically disadvantaged populations.

Our services include medical, social, and psychological consultations, as well as awareness campaigns to ensure that information, resources, support, and services of the highest quality regarding sexuality are available and accessible to anyone who may need them in the community.

In addition to the subsidized prices or free services it offers, confidentiality and anonymity are the most prominent aspects of Marsa’s services, ensuring satisfaction for the individuals who seek them.

Marsa’s Board of Directors

  • Ayman Assi, Ph.D., President, Co-founding Member 

  • Tarek Masri, Board Member 

  • Randa Rustom, Board Member

  • Omar Fakhreddine, Board Member

  • Jihane Naous, MD., Board Member

Marsa’s International Partners and Donors

  • Solidarite SIDA

  • Expertise France 

  • Humanist Institute for Cooperation with Developing Countries (HIVOS)

  • Ville de Paris

  • The Equality Fund

  • Global Fund for Women

  • Mediterranean Women’s Fund

  • World Health Organization (WHO)

  • DROSOS

  • United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

  • Oxfam GB

  • Association de lutte contre le SIDA (ALCS)

  • ITPC-MENA

  • Coalition PLUS

Marsa’s Awards

Red Ribbon Award - Word AIDS Conference 2014 - Sydney, Australia. 

“Mention spéciale du Prix des droits de l’Homme “ -  the French Government in 2022, Beirut, Lebanon.