ABAAD tackles the relation between women and gender barriers in Lebanon and the MENA at large
The cultural landscape of Lebanon, like much of the MENA region, is deeply rooted in traditions that define women’s roles both in society and the workplace.
The cultural landscape of Lebanon, like much of the MENA region, is deeply rooted in traditions that define women’s roles both in society and the workplace. Despite global conversations around gender equality and women’s empowerment, traditional patriarchal beliefs continue to pose significant challenges to women’s personal and professional growth. These norms often act as an invisible hindrance specifically for women’s potential, justifying or even intensifying violence and discrimination when women attempt to break through the ‘glass ceilings’ imposed upon them.
A Complex Social Fabric: Lebanon’s Patriarchal Structure
In Lebanon, patriarchal views are reinforced by media narratives, legal frameworks, and sectarian divides, making it challenging for women to advance. The situation varies across Lebanon’s urban and rural settings, where sectarianism and local cultural dynamics shape women’s experiences. In rural areas, traditional values are often stricter, with less space for reform and progressive attitudes. Conversely, in urban settings like Beirut, where exposure to diverse ideologies is more common, there’s a slight easing of norms, though this doesn’t imply an absence of patriarchal constraints.
Evolving Perceptions and Persistent Challenges
The perception of women in Lebanon has evolved incrementally over the years, with more women entering various professional fields. However, this progress is often marred by resistance to reforms perceived as ‘Western-influenced.’ Calls for gender reforms and rights for non-heteronormative gender identities face strong backlash, suggesting that while there’s a surface-level acceptance of change, deep-rooted biases remain.
ABAAD: A Culturally Informed Approach to Gender Equality
Addressing such entrenched norms requires a nuanced and culturally sensitive approach. This is where ABAAD, a Lebanon-based NGO focused on gender equality, plays a transformative role. By using a Third World Intersectional Feminist framework, ABAAD has designed holistic programming that is both inspirational and empirically validated. ABAAD’s strategies include interactive programming with beneficiaries and key stakeholders, alongside collaborative efforts with governmental bodies and religious leaders. Campaigns like the groundbreaking “Undress 522 Law” exemplify how ABAAD has successfully influenced legal reforms that protect women. This campaign resulted in the repeal of a law that allowed rapists to escape punishment by marrying their victims—a significant victory for women’s rights in Lebanon.
Cultural Barriers in the Workplace
Even with these successes, significant cultural barriers remain. Historical patriarchal norms still define women’s roles within households and workplaces. Many women face a ‘double shift,’ balancing uncompensated domestic responsibilities with professional roles. In this complex environment, silence in the face of harassment is common, as speaking out could jeopardize the limited professional opportunities available, even more pronounced for refugee and displaced women.
Creating Change: The Role of NGOs in Shaping Gender Equality
In the absence of functional, non-corrupt governance structures, NGOs like ABAAD have become the torchbearers of cultural change. Their role is not just to provide services and support for victims of gender-based violence but also to advocate for systemic and structural reforms. By leveraging their local identities and cultural knowledge, these organizations can effectively counter narratives that frame gender equality as a foreign agenda.
Positive Cultural Shifts: A Double-Edged Sword
Lebanon’s economic crisis has forced many families to rely on women’s incomes, creating a temporary acceptance of women’s employment. Yet, these shifts are often seen as temporary adjustments rather than lasting changes in societal attitudes. As a result, women may gain economic power without fundamentally altering the patriarchal structure that governs family and social life.
This duality is particularly evident in sectors like healthcare, education, and NGOs, where women are more readily accepted in professional roles but still face discrimination and harassment.
Towards a Gender-Equal Lebanon: A Long Road Ahead
While Lebanon’s journey towards gender equality is fraught with obstacles, the role of organizations like ABAAD cannot be understated. They are not just responding to immediate needs but are actively shaping the discourse and creating a foundation for future reforms. By balancing cultural sensitivities with progressive feminist ideals, ABAAD offers a model for how local NGOs can drive meaningful change in patriarchal societies.
