Recommending the following analysis by Camilo Gómez-Rivas | Assistant Professor of Middle Eastern history – The American University in Cairo. Like almost everything else during the uncertain period of the transitional government, the future of personal status law reform is at a crossroads in Egypt. The new constitution (assuming one will exist)[1] may technically have […]
Tag Archives: Middle East
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 […]
I have a Sermon in my Pocket
I have a sermon in my pocket… I have a voice in my church… God, whose Spirit blows everywhere, blew in my little being… Unbelievable fate, one that allows a woman to stand behind the altar and speak the words of the Son… Unbelievable and mind blowing act to allow a woman to be the […]
Women in the Middle East: Progress or Regress?
Standard literature on topics like social change, revolutions, modernization, cultural challenges and social movements in the Middle East, does not often examine women or gender issues. Myths and stereotypes abound regarding women. The events of September 11, 2001 have only compounded them. Unfortunately, Globalization, new technologies, cross-cultural relations – both convivial and conflictual – and […]
My Story with my Mother-in-Law
I’m sure most of you married young ladies have encountered in your life tensions and-or conflicts with your mothers-in-law. By the way, this is not a problem limited to one country. I’m from the UAE and I live currently in Europe. I used to be married several years ago and my marriage ended partly because […]
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Is Sexism Overrated in Lebanon?
Not at all… A perfect example? Not a single woman in the Lebanese government! Even in the previous ones, women were poorly represented – in numbers and effective presence. What about the Parliament? Even worse… The reason of this misrepresentation – i.e discrimination? According to most male politicians: ‘We are not able to find a […]
Violence Against Women is Never Acceptable
Violence against women is never acceptable, cannot be tolerated in any form, in any context, in any circumstances. Ban Ki-Moon, the UN Secretary general launched in 2008 the campaign to “end the violence against women” that aims to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls in all parts in the world. Types of violence […]
Men are Natural Warriors, but a Woman in Battle is Truly Blood-Thirsty
I was lately told that I am not a warrior and it offended me. True I am not villainous, I do not use physical weapons or Machiavellian schemes, nor do I play games to get what I want – even if there are women who do in the Middle East. True I am a pacifist […]