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Gender equality in higher education, leadership posts

5-12-2018

Under the auspices of the British Embassy, the American University of Technology, AUT, organized a panel discussion on ‘Gender equality in higher education and in leadership positions’. On the occasion, Nada Talhuk, Beirut Bar Association member, said it is time to shift from the notion of clan to the notion of state and from the idea of conflict to the idea of participation of both women and men, namely moving towards the principles of democracy, justice and equality between individuals and society. Talhouk maintained that what is needed today is a revision of the values and principles based on gender discrimination in accordance with Article 5 of the CIDAW agreement. For her part, AUT president, Ghada Hnein, pointed to the absence of equality in senior positions within the education sector, noting that it is unacceptable in a country like Lebanon which provides equal opportunities for higher education to continue to suffer from a serious imbalance when it comes to female leadership positions. Similarly, MP Enaya Izzedine said” “We live in a patriarchal society par excellence,” adding, that change should be made on multiple levels, including laws and bills. She mentioned the challenge by Lebanese women to seize political decision making positions in the cabinet and the parliament, stressing that enhancing the status of women is in fact a societal process and culture that requires a proper environment to succeed. (L’Orient Le Jour, December 1, 2018)

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Yet two more women disappear in the North

5-12-2018

Following the circular on November 23 about Sarah Rida who disappeared in the Southern Suburbs of Beirut, the ISF General Directorate, under the mandate of competent judiciary, circulated the picture of Jihan Butros Sassine (37) who went missing after she left her house accompanied by her five children. Jihan left her house in the neighborhood of Bassatin al Asi- Tannourin area on November 19 and disappeared. Her children are three girls (born in 2016, 2011 and 2008) and two boys (born in 2012 and 2009). The Directorate also circulated the picture of missing Syrian woman, Ola Nuri Khleif (17 years) who disappeared after she left her brother’s house in Minyeh. (Al Mustaqbal, December 5, 2018)

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Strong criticism of awareness film on rape in Lebanon; first marathon on VAW in Egypt

4-12-2018

In an article published in Al Akhbar newspaper on Friday, anthropologist Hiba Morkos criticized the awareness film produced by ABAAD on rape and violence against women (c.f: https://goo.gl/xZSzf8). The film, Morkos noted, has been released without the slightest regard to the sense of professionalism and responsibility, pointing to the two main rules of respecting the victim which the film missed. These are, a warning at the beginning of the video that shows the content of the scenes focused on sexual assault, and an early warning that the video scenes are not real but played by an actress. ABAAD, Morkos went on to say, has sought thrill and ignored values, encroaching upon our fragile psychological state which we struggle to keep in balance, as she put it. Morkos explained that ABAAD’s campaign video has faded at the first marathon, where the organization hailed the courage of rape victims who do not run away from their rapists but confront them, saying this form of confrontation endangers the lives of victims (for more on the article in Arabic, click on the following link: https://goo.gl/GXrHFP). On the other hand, in collaboration with UNFPA, Cairo Runners and the Ministry of Sports and Youth, the National Council for Women in Egypt organized on Friday the first official women marathon in Heliopolis district of Cairo. The marathon wanted to tell the world and the Egyptian society that they should work to eliminate all forms of violence against women. (Al Akhbar, Al Mustaqbal, November 30, December 1, 2018)

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Divorce rate in Lebanon doubles in 10 years

4-12-2018

The statistics of the Directorate of Personal Status in the interior ministry has shown that divorce rates have increased by 101 % in Lebanon from the period extending between 2006 and 2017. Reportedly, 8850 divorce instances were recorded in 2017 against 4388 in 2006, noting that these figures are not final, given many divorce petitions pending at Sharia Courts. The latter to mention, often procrastinate in similar cases. Besides, divorces do not usually include separation, particularly within Christian communities. According to above figures, North Lebanon governorate recorded the highest divorce rates, (1840 contracts) during 2017, followed by Beirut (1486), Beqaa (1405), Mount Lebanon (1348), Nabatiyeh (1270) and the South (1231). On the subject, social researcher and religious scholar, Hassan Fadlallah, said deteriorating economic conditions and increasing poverty and unemployment rates are essentially related to the extraordinary increase in the number of divorces. He pointed to a shift in the notion of marriage due to the development in women’s situation as a result of education and participation in the labor market. Many women, Fadlallah noted, no longer accept patriarchal conception of marriage which views women as subordinates to men as well as sex objects. Likewise, Father Josepth Bou Raad stressed that the change in the role of women in society is one of the main reasons for the rise in divorce rates, as women today boast an economic role within the family, which could, in many instances, exceed that of their male partners. This increased their awareness of their rights and respect for themselves, hence, changing the requirements in the relationship with men which involves civility in communication. Similarly, legal specialist, Mari Rose Zalzal, maintained that the legal and social rules of marital relationships are no longer valid. (Al Akhbar, December 1, 2018)

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Syrian women @ war break stereotypes

3-12-2018

Yezidi women survivors of ISIS in Syria and Iraq have sued the French cement company, Lafarge, which is accused of financing the terrorist organisation.  The lawyers acting on behalf of the plaintiffs noted that as civil parties in the court case, they are accusing Lafarge in June 2018 of participating in crimes against humanity and in financing a terrorist organisation indicating that this is a rare occurrence in the world of business.  Attorney for the Yezidi women, Amal Clooney, said in a statement that the victims will receive fair compensations.  In a related vein, Al Diyar highlighted in its issue of today the story of Nujeen Mustapha, the 19 year old Kurdish woman from Kobani in Northern Syria who was chosen amongst the BBC list of the 100 most influential women in the world.  According to the newspaper, Mustapha was chosen following the release of her compelling memoirs in which she tells her story of her journey on a wheelchair from Syria to Germany.  Moreover, Mustapha wrote her book with herself taught English thus becoming a role model of power and will as well as an inspiration for millions.  (Moustapha's story can be accessed in Arabic via https://goo.gl/fLntYq).  On another vein, 30 women officers graduated from military school in Syria, according to the school commander, General Victoria Youssef Ibrahim, the academy provides military training to women who desire to defend their country as men. (Al Diyar, Al Mustaqbal, Al Hayat - December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.2018)
 

Related news:

“Ginwar”, a women only village in Syria
Syrian women demonstrate their presence in senior and sensitive positions
Empowering Syrian women to face the tragedy of war
Syrian women venture into work areas that were confined to men

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Mooneh bazaar to strengthen women's role in sustainable rural development

3-12-2018

The Chamber of Commerce in Saida and South Lebanon inaugurated jointly with UNDP an exhibition of home made traditional Mooneh and handicraft. The event which was held on December 1st, included more than 100 organisations involved in the production of Mooneh and handicrafts in Saida and South Lebanon. The said event will go on until December 4th and is under the auspices of the Minister of Economy and Trade, Raed Khouri, represented by DG Alia Abbas. In her keynote address, Abbas said that this exhibition is key in supporting rural producers and in introducing their products to consumers. She also added that such activities invigorate the economy especially in rural areas especially by bridging the gap between producers and consumers and supporting farmers in staying in their land. Abbas also highlighted the importance of such initiatives in strengthening the role of women in sustainable rural development via linking the private and public sectors as well as protecting the role of women in the management of natural resources. According to Abbas, women's economic empowerment should be a priority of policies and programmes seeking to support agricultural development as well as the economy. Abbas finally said that this is further justified by the fact that women's agricultural productions are a key catalyst of the economy as well as a main source of livelihoods in rural areas. Ad Dyar, Al Mustaqbal, December 2nd, 2017)

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"Breaking all barriers" to condemn discrimination and gender inequality

3-12-2018

UNDP's programme to support elections (funded by the EU) and Women in Front organised on November 30th an art exhibition entitled “Breaking all Barriers”. The exhibition was hosted in Beyt Beyrouth Sodeco, and included original works by 30 artists who used their talents to take a stand against discrimination and gender inequality and showcase the power of women who challenged difficulties and reached decision making positions in public life. The exhibition also sought to challenge gender stereotypes and misinformation around these. The event was held under the auspices of the Prime Minister, Saad Hariri, and kicked off with a keynote address by the EU ambassador to Lebanon, Kristina Lassen, who noted that women's political participation in Lebanon remains very low. Lassen also added that the new electoral laws failed to take into consideration the need to improve women's participation especially since there were only 86 women candidates of whom, only 6 won. Lassen demanded a women quota in politics hoping that the new upcoming cabinet will include women in key position such as the ministries of defense and finance. The UN representative to Lebanon, Philipe Lazzarini, noted for his part that Lebanon's society is male dominated as men have overwhelming economic, political and social power despite the fact that half of the university graduates are women. Lazzarini hoped that obstacles to women's participation in politics will soon be addressed especially through the reform of discriminatory laws. (Al Mustaqbal, December 1st 2018)

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Awareness raising on sexual harassment and rape in Sh7eem

3-12-2018

"Together for Sh7im" association organised on November 25th an awareness raising seminar on sexual harassment and rape at its premises in the village. The event was attended by local personalities and key individuals. Forensic expert Jinan al Khatib presented a definition of sexual harassment and rape as well as its causes and various forms it takes. Al Khatib highlighted the indications that victims would exhibit whether they are women, children or people with special needs. Al Khatib further discussed material evidence that can be found in such crimes and how to preserve these for the sake of pursuing an investigation. She also reiterated the role of forensic technology which seeks to aid in unmasking perpetrators. The session ended with a Q&A with the audience. (Al Mustaqbal, December 1st, 2018)

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“Ginwar”, a women only village in Syria

30-11-2018

A women only village called Ginwar was inaugurated in North Syria on the occasion of the 16 days campaign to counter violence against women. The village is located in the Derbassyeh region in the Caza of Hassakeh and has been in preparation over the last two years. According to Rommel Haffet, the woman responsible for this initiative, the village was inaugurated as a result of the humongous efforts exerted by the women themselves. She further added that the village is not intended for Kurdish women only but will host any woman wishing to live there. Ginwar is equipped with all needed services and includes 20 dwellings for women coming from shadadi, Tal tamr, Ain Al Arab. Most women are either widows, divorced or have lost their husbands in various ways. The village also includes a medical facility where women have secured a variety of medicinal herbs, as well as a kindergarten and a 200 sheep owned and used by women. Haffet noted that men can visit their women relatives in the village but are not allowed to live there. (Al Diyar, 30 November 2018)

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Gender pay gap in the US

30-11-2018

A new study entitled “the job market is still for men” highlighted that women in the US received half of men’s income over a 15 year span taking into consideration the interruption in women’s career because of reproductive and care work. According to this study, the gender pay gap is wider than what is expected. To note that this study was carried out between 2001 and 2015. The Institute for Women’s Policy Studies in DC noted that, overall, women earn 51% less than men including time women spend without earning income. The president of the centre, Heidi Hartman, who participated in the study noted in a statement that the metric used to describe the gender pay gap, namely 80 cent for every dollar, is not accurate because of the various professional diversity and what is known as “women’s choices”. Hartman further added that that their “analysis showed that they have underestimated the gender pay gap in the job market”. The study noted that what is likely to lessen the gender pay gap is to ensure diversity in women’s employment as well as encourage men to do more unpaid care work as well as instating strict criteria against the gender pay gap.(Al Diyar, 30 November 2018)

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