Overwhelming resentment of men's violence towards working women in Tripoli

In a special feature today, Journalist Dumu3 Al Asmar, portrayed in Al Diyar newspaper the anguish felt by working women in Tripoli, North Lebanon, as a result of growing violence (sometime rape) to which women are subjugated, as they compete with men in the workplace. The newspaper pointed out that despite the remarkable presence of women in major sectors, notably, law, medicine and nursing, as well as the high decision making positions which women in the Tripoli fill in the various associations or political parties women’s sectors, yet many working women have expressed their resentment over serious rights violations and patriarchal attitudes by their men colleagues. On the subject, one woman speaking to Al Diyar reporter described the different forms of sexual harassment practiced on women, including verbal and physical abuse, leading in some cases to rape incidents. “There have been many such instances, some were exposed and others hushed for fear of scandal or slander,” she said. “Some people insist on blaming women, while knowing that they are the victims, under the pretext that the women have to pay for competing with men in the professional life and hence have to put up with all sorts of harassment,” she added. Another woman spoke up citing the daily risks girls undergo during while using cabs when some irresponsible taxi drivers pick on them. The problem, the newspaper wrote, is yet exacerbated by the fact that these attacks are seldom formally registered. In conclusion, Al Asmar stressed the need for further awareness- raising campaigns that will target the youth and men in particular. (Al Diyar, October 4, 2016)