The women of Aidamoon, Akkar: Family life is based on cooperation & “Sitr wal ghata”

Al Mustaqbal newspaper published in today’s issue, February 3, 2015, a report on perceptions of family and gender relationships in the village of Aidamoon, in Akkar, North Lebanon. The report interviewed a number of women who all agreed that family life is based on cooperation between women and men, and also relies on covering up (al Sitr wal ghata) between spouses. During the interview, Um Muhammad boasted saying, “We in Aidamoon do not feel that men are superior to us. Women’s and men’s rights have their special understanding in our culture,” adding, “women in our village are workers, par excellence: lawyers, public employees or state workers, besides being ideal housewives.” In an answer to a question regarding the use of violence against wives, and perceptions of those men who try to subdue their wives, Abu Muhammad sitting next to his spouse, confirmed, “Any man who beats his wife is a coward, the least said.” Whereas Um Khaled stated: “We take care of each other even in Mooneh production: Men and women work hand in hand without any difference between us. Both household providers, male and female, team up during the olive season. They dry figs and prepare tomato paste, pomegrenade molasses and cracked wheat- burghul together.” Um Khaled added, “Men lose their temper a bit, however, a nice word would clear the misunderstanding.”

(Source: Al-Mustaqbal, February 3, 2015).