More often than not, when people speak of inequality of the sexes in Lebanon, they speak of women’s inferior salaries, of women’s inability to pass on the Lebanese nationality to their children, of women’s minor representation in the parliament…They discuss big titles; eye-catching ones. I won’t. I haven’t experienced those situations yet and shall wait […]
Category Archives: Personal Stories
Nouns, Adjectives, Definitions and Expectations
This is not an opinion. This is a simple inquiry about the situation in Lebanon. Herea��s how I see things to take place: We have men who objectify women. We have women who do the same to fellow women. Then, we have men who insult and attack women. And, in contrast, we have women who […]
For Her & For Him
Ita��s cute when brands do a a�?For Hima�? and a�?For Hera�? ideas. This, though, becomes the focus of everybody around the holidays, any holiday, and could easily get out of line. In the traffic jam of Mount Lebanon and Beirut, drivers listen to music and look out their window. Ads all over the highway promote […]
There are Men intimidated by Intelligent Women: my Perception of a Lebanese Reality
I live in Beirut and I write to share with you my perception of a particular reality. Most women I know, educated, successful in their work field, young, beautiful, intelligent and independent, are not able to get married nowadays. Men they dated felt emasculated. I even heard one of my friends saying that a successful […]
Ita��s the Season, the Season of Gifts (A Tribute to Mothers)
The truth is that ita��s the birth of the Christ. If we think about it historically though, it is not the exact date. We even celebrate it on two different dates. And, we know that neither is accurate. But when was it exactly that Christmas lost its spiritual sense? When was it exactly that the […]
Gentille ou Bad Girl?
Je vous écris pour vous faire part d’un problème que je constate dans nos sociétés moyen-orientales marquées par la violence, les guerres, la haine, et… l’absence ou la rareté de gentillesse, de gratuité, de charité, de spontanéité. Je vis à Beyrouth et je voyage souvent à Dubai, au Caire, et au Koweit. La superficialité, le […]
'Witch Hunt' in Cairo
I am an Egyptian woman who has a story to tell about the aftermath of what was called the Arab Spring Revolutions. Forgive me if I use a nickname. I have been participating to many demonstrations in the Tahrir Square since Mr. Mohamed Morsi was elected as President. My main concern was – and still […]
The Case of Lesbians in Lebanon
It is with deep concern that I put on the table of discussion the case of lesbians in Lebanon. It has come to my attention, during my last visit, that some places, bars, restaurants are implicitly linked to their presence. Although it is reassuring to know that there are some safe havens, it remains very […]
The Superwoman Syndrome: A Middle Eastern Reality
I began thinking seriously about the Superwoman Syndrome when I fell into the vicious circle of trying to be perfect at all levels. The first time occurred in Montreal (QC, Canada) while studying (M.A., PhD, Post-doctorate researches…) and working 20/24 hours. The second time in Lebanon… During one of the first women gatherings (sobhiyat) I […]
The Revolution of a Scorned Woman
a�?Heaven knows no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.a�? – William Congreve Centuries ago and still up to this day, women are viewed as emotional beings that could explode any moment. And worst yet, they are seen as creatures whose moods can shift from one end to […]