The Case of Lesbians in Lebanon

It is with deep concern that I put on the table of discussion the case of lesbians in Lebanon. It has come to my attention, during my last visit, that some places, bars, restaurants are implicitly linked to their presence. Although it is reassuring to know that there are some safe havens, it remains very […]

Women in Personal Status Laws: IRAQ, JORDAN, LEBANON, PALESTINE, SYRIA

Recommending the following study by Gihane Tabet (SHS Papers in Women’s Studies/ Gender Research – Gender Equality and Development Section, Division of Human Rights, Social and Human Sciences Sector, UNESCO, 2005). Introduction: The objective of this paper is to explain the legal system as it pertains to women’s rights in the Middle East. We will […]

The Superwoman Syndrome: A Middle Eastern Reality

I began thinking seriously about the Superwoman Syndrome when I fell into the vicious circle of trying to be perfect at all levels. The first time occurred in Montreal (QC, Canada) while studying (M.A., PhD, Post-doctorate researches…) and working 20/24 hours. The second time in Lebanon… During one of the first women gatherings (sobhiyat) I […]

O�U�U�O�O?O� O�U�U�O?U�O�U�USO�… "U?US O�O�O?U� O�O�U?O�U�U�O�"

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Is Sexism Overrated in Lebanon?

Not at all… A perfect example? Not a single woman in the Lebanese government! Even in the previous ones, women were poorly represented – in numbers and effective presence. What about the Parliament? Even worse… The reason of this misrepresentation – i.e discrimination? According to most male politicians: ‘We are not able to find a […]

Living in a Patriarchal Society

The Lebanese society – such as most Western Asian societies – can be easily labeled as patriarchal. Males have central roles of political leadership, moral authority, religious authority, economical power and property. Sad reality in the 21st century C.E., especially when anthropological and historical evidence indicates that most prehistoric hunter-gatherer societies were generally relatively egalitarian. Our […]

Fathers and Sons, and the Middle Eastern Mentality

Fathers and sons bond by making fun of their wives and sisters respectively. Ita��s as simple as a statement as a�?Theya��re women! What do you expect?a�?. They have a laugh and brush off anything that was said as if ita��s nothing significant. This is Lebanon. This is the mentality in a big number of houses. […]