Women organizations criticize the marginalization of women in new cabinet

A number of women organisations expressed dismay yesterday over the marginalization of women in the newly-formed government and the naming of a male to run the women affairs portfolio, while totally disregarding the persistent demands in the representation quota and the right of women to grant nationality to their families. To note, one woman was appointed in the 30-minister cabinet but was excluded from key ministries (c.f http://bit.ly/2hVyEcp). In this respect, Kafa Enough Violence and Exploitation organization director, Zoya Ruhana, conveyed to An Nahar newspaper her dissatisfaction with the newly established ministry dubbing it as a ceremonial, powerless, budget less and vacuous portfolio. Kafa has pointed out in a statement yesterday that fear over the confessional distribution of seats is greater than the concern for women’s representation, describing it as a “purely patriarchal” government. In this context, Lina Abu Habib, executive director of the Collective for Research and Training on Development (CRTD.A) also criticized the idea of inventing a ministry for women’s affairs, stating that it was never one of the demands of women and feminist organizations that aim for equality in representation. Abu Habib drew attention to the fact that challenges facing women are inter-ministerial and cannot be downsized to one portfolio, noting that the National Commission for Lebanese Women set up since the Beijing Platform of Action has not had the opportunity to be productive. For her part, the Lebanese Women Democratic Gathering activist, lawyer Manar Zuaiter, decried the naming of a man for a women’s ministry, stressing that women issues cannot be approached in that way. Similarly, Women in Parliament Coalition said it remains resolute in its request to include the 30% quota in the ministers statement of the new government. On the other hand, the president of the Lebanese Council of Women, lawyer Iqbal Dughan, considered the women’s ministry as a progressive step if led by a woman or man involved with women’s issues. Nasawiya activist, Nadine Muawad, said the glitch lies in the ability of the man minister of women’s affairs to adopt and advocate women issues and rights. Meanwhile, the newly named minister of women’s affairs, Jean Ogassapian, exclaimed his respect and understanding for the supporters and antagonists of his appointment, stating that he is open to all suggestions. )L’Orient Le Jour, Al Diyar, Al Mustaqbal, An Nahar, Al Akhbar, December 20, 2016)