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Tunisia revokes ban of marriage of women to non-Muslims

15-9-2017

One month after Tunisian President, Beji Caid Essebsi’s call to change laws to ensure equal inheritance rights for women and their rights in marriage to non-Muslims, the government issued a memorandum noting non-compulsory indication of the religion of the husband in the marriage contract, contrary to the old decree which requires a foreign husband to spell out his religion or a non-Muslim to pronounce the Shahada in front of the Mufti in order to conclude the marriage to a Muslim woman. To this effect, the ministry of justice sent the memo endorsing the repeal of the 1973 Ordinance to all national courts, marriage offices and consulates, mentioning that said decree is in violation of the country’s Constitution and its international agreements. Similarly, the presidential spokeswoman, Saeeda Qarash, published on her Facebook page that all provisions related to banning of marriage to a non-Muslim have been abolished. “Congratulations to the women of Tunisia their free choice of spouses,” she wrote. Qarash, to recall, is a prominent leftist and feminist figure in the North African state. Some observers believe she was behind Essebsi’s announcement of changes and his seeking to win the support of women after the past elections proved their overwhelming backing for him. (Al Hayat, September 15, 2017)
 

Previous related news: 
Tunisian president’s call for gender equality questioned
Call for gender equality in inheritance in Tunisia steers controversy
Tunisian President stands up for gender equality in inheritance, Al Azhar objects

 

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Art performing for women inmate in Tripoli

15-9-2017

The Lebanese Charitable Association for Reform and Rehabilitation organized a performing art ceremony for women inmates at the Tripoli Central Prison, held under the patronage of the Director General of the Internal Security Forces, Major General Imad Othman, and with the presence of a number of political, religious and social dignitaries. Under the title, ‘I want to live, breathe and express myself’, the prisoners presented a number of dances inspired from their life inside prison cells. On the occasion, the head of the association, Fatmeh Badra, commended similar activities that tap the innate hope in the hearts of prisoners, which, as she put it, “will eventually seep out and shine when they get out more empowered to face the challenges of life.” One inmate recounted the daily life in detention, mentioning the effect of the regular events organized by the association, particularly, the theatrical performance part, which she maintained will contribute to alleviating the suffering of living behind bars. (Al Mustaqbal, September 15, 2017)

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3 women appointed in Lebanese election commission

15-9-2017

The minister of state for women’s affairs, Jean Ogassapian, lauded the unprecedented appointment of three women to the elections commission following a recommendation he submitted to this end to interior minister Nuhad Mashnuk, noting that the three women are: Karine Geagea, Sylvana Al Lakkis and Arda Akmakji. Ogassapian underlined the significance of this step in the empowerment of women in various areas, calling for strengthening this with parallel measures in order to achieve the ministry’s goals, notably, the participation of Lebanese women in political life. (Al Mustaqbal, September 15, 2017)

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Syria criticized for not rescind reservations to Article 15/4 of CEDAW

14-9-2017

Al Hayat newspaper drew attention today to the legislative decree published in Syria in mid-July rescinding the reservations to Article 2 of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) related to ending gender discrimination in the constitutions in accordance with Islamic Sharia, as stated in the text of the decree. However, the decree refused to withdraw reservations to Article 15/4 on freedom of movement, travel and residence as it contradicts with Article 70 of the personal status law which forces the wife to travel accompanied with her husband unless stated otherwise in the contract, in addition to their conflict with the social traditions and norms that view women as living in the shadow of their husbands or subordinates to men. Al Hayat wrote about a tragic reality imposed during the years of war on the Syrian society, and on women in particular, being the main providers and breadwinners of their households in the absence of their spouses. The newspaper went on to say, that concerned authorities involved with resolving similar situations pretend not to notice this newly-introduced reality of Syrian women. The struggle of the Syrian feminist movement to lift the reservations enforced by the State on some CEDAW provisions and the lived reality of Syrian women during the conflict, have all gone with the wind to appease the tribal or sectarian sheikhs, Al Hayat concluded. )Al Hayat, September 14, 2017(

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Feminist music band sings about reality of Egyptian women

13-9-2017

In an interesting article, L’Orient Le Jour featured Bint-al-Masarwa underground music band led by three Egyptian women with the aim to defy gender stereotypes. Marina, Maryam and Esraa produce music in the Arabic language that dissects and documents lived experiences of women in the Egyptian society and laying bare the gender-based discrimination, particularly dominant among least advantaged communities. The three young ladies are currently preparing for the launch of their new album, seeking to secure the necessary funding that could reach USD 12,000. On the projected album, Esraa explained, that it presents the experiences of marginalized women in the Upper Egypt governorates of Saeed, who are not fortunate enough to communicate their suffering, noting that the first album addressed the concerns and demands of urban women. Marina, for her part, said they organized workshops for women in the Saeed areas to allow women to to voice their fears and concerns on issues, like domestic violence, racism, harassment and the dominating patriarchal society. The new CD will reportedly be named ‘Mazghouna’, a term widely in use in the Governorate of Minya and it targets battered women. The purpose is to inspire females to break up free from the hegemony of men. (L’Orient Le Jour, September 13, 2017)

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Sectarian bickering delays the appointment of the new director of cooperatives

12-9-2017

After the decision of the Shura Council of May 31 to suspend the execution of an order by minister of agriculture, Gazi Z3aiter, giving the Director of Cooperatives, Gloria Abu Zeid, a forced leave and appointing a replacement (http://lkdg.org/ar/node/16444 ), the media reported last week that Abu Zeid’s replacement was on the agenda of the recent Cabinet session but was subsequently dropped at a personal request from the minister. The latter reportedly decided to refer the file to the president of the republic and the prime minister, recalling that the Z3aiter-Abu Zeid dispute has turned sectarian. On the other hand, Al Modon electronic portal, citing informed sources, pointed to the possibility of assigning the head of the Department of Packaging and Cooling at the Directorate of Livestock, Saeed Aoun, as an acting director general of the Cooperatives pending the appointment of the director, as proposed by Zoaieter. Ministerial sources in turn said Abu Zeid’s status remains unclear until now, hinting that she could return to her previous post as head of the Green Plan project. Al Modon also mentioned that Abu Zeid is not allowed access to her office at the ministry of agriculture awaiting the Cabinet’s final decision on the matter. (An Nahar, Al Diyar, September 7, 2017)

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Arab women’s rights between cultural legacy and social reality

12-9-2017

Al Hayat newspaper published an article by an Egyptian journalist addressing the two recent progresses scored by Tunisian women, particularly on their rights for equal inheritance with men and freedom of marriage to non-Muslim. The journalist made a comparative approach involving the practical and real life aspects, and not from the perspective of Sharia. He focused on two specific sides: first, the cultural legacy cumulative of social interactions and traditions passed over the years, and secondly, the social reality of Arab women. In his definition of cultural legacy, religion represents only one component of social culture, he wrote, giving the following example to support his statement. Women in many Muslim-majority Arab states do not inherit half what men inherit or sometimes do not inherit at all! This, he argued, is not due to religious considerations, but lies at the heart of the prevailing social norms. Regarding the social reality component, the journalist noted in his analysis that in light of the economic and demographic factors, major changes occurred in Arab societies, notably the massive migration in search for employment. In most cases, migration was meant for men only, which led to an increased economic role for women, knowing that remittances sent were not enough to sustain the emigrants’ households. The Egyptian writer further noted that in Arab societies where women have become the first economic catalyst and the real breadwinners for their families, the sense of injustices have become more complex. The demands of Arab women in general, he concluded, transcend the issue of inheritance, or rights related to marriage itself, and even go beyond religious texts. The issue is rather the result of interaction between cultural legacy and the reality of social life, a fact not to be denied or ignored. (Al Hayat, September 11, 2017)

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Local development and women’s participation in Jezzine

11-9-2017

Under the title ‘Regional Development’, the Elie Rizk Foundation organized yesterday the first economic conference in Jezzine in the presence of some 350 concerned parties from the Caza. Also present were, president of the Lebanese Chambers, Mohamad Choukair, President of the Lebanese Industrialists, Jaques Sarraf, Lebanese Franchise Association president, Charles Arbid, and the second vice-governor of Banque du Liban, Saad Andari. In his opening address, Rizk stressed that challenges and problems the town faces cannot be resolved with wishes only. He said the purpose of the conference is to prioritize development in the area, create jobs for its youth and bolster their steadfastness to their land, as well as, turning the region into a vibrant investment and touristic hub. “There are many aptitudes and capacities at hand in Jezzine particulalry, that have not been galvanized,” Rizk maintained, pointing to efforts in this direction by the private sector and to partnership endeavors with the government to implement the required developmental programs. The presence of economic bodies and the Central Bank gives the conference and participants a strong impetus to reach the desired goals. Likewise, Choukair reiterated the Lebanese Chambers readiness to contribute to development of the regions, while Sarraf called for investing in the touristic treasures of Jezzine, pressing the need to promote its trademarks in Lebanon and abroad. For his part, Andari touched on the crisis of joblessness in the country, especially among the youth, as well as, women’s participation in the labor market. )Al Mustaqbal, September 11, 2017(

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Emile Nasrallah receives Goethe medal

7-9-2017

Lebanese author Emily Nasrallah received on August 28 the Goethe Medal in a ceremony held at Weimar, German hometown of the great German writer and thinker Goethe. The patent of the prize read as follows: “Emile Nasralah, one of today’s best-known authors of the Arab world, has written for children and adults and created a poetic language to describe life in war-torn Lebanon.” Managed by a special committee, the annual award is given to symbols and models from Europe and the World, who have contributed to international cultural exchange and dialogue. Since its inception in 1954, the medal has been awarded to world novelists, including Arabs, like Fouad Rafqa (2010) and Sadeq Jalal al Azm (2015). The theme of the 2017 medal was ‘Language is the key’. Besides Nasrallah, the Goethe Medal for this year was given to Indian publisher, Urvashi Butalia and Russian journalist and human rights activist Irina Scherbakowa. The president of USJ, Professor Salim Dakash, sent a congratulations note to Nasrallah on the occasion, saying: “For over 50 years, your creative writing style has heralded your debut novel, Touyour Ayloul (Birds of September) on Lebanese migration, and since that day, you have scored continued successes. By winning of the Goethe Medal, one of the most prestigious international literary awards, you have enriched Lebanon with another achievement through your memorable presence.” To note, Nasrallah received her MA in 1958 from the American University of Beirut, and worked as a novelist, journalist, freelance writer, teacher, lecturer and women rights activist. She won many prizes throughout her career life in literature and her books have been translated into several languages. (An Nahar, September 7, 2017)

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NCLW executive bureau in action

7-9-2017

The executive bureau of the National Commission for Lebanese Women (NCLW) held yesterday its regular meeting chaired by Claudine Aoun Roukoz to conclude the formation of specialized committees on women and benefit from the service of volunteer counsellors when needed. Participants reviewed various initiatives vis-à-vis the repeal of Article 522 of the Penal Code and attendant Articles 505 and 518, reiterating NCLW’s determination to submit a draft bill inclusive of all articles and provisions related to the rights and protection of underage girls. To note, NCLW has started working on the draft in consultation with involved civil society groups and governmental institutions. The bureau also deliberated a mechanism of cooperation with the ministry of state for women’s affairs in service of women. (Al Diyar, September 7, 2017)

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