We, The Women, Who Value Life!

Growing up in Lebanon, I always felt that some men and women assumed ownership over me, my body, my thought, even my feelings and my expression. I despised these people who existed everywhere, in families, government, school, and religious establishments. They were constantly clashing with other men and women who wanted me to thrive and to be “me” in all its possibilities.

I have seen men and women act as if they own women by controlling them fully or partially. It was painful as I could barely shield myself of that servitude and slavery.

I have known women who sold themselves willingly and others who did the same under a different guise, also known as denial. The sale price was sometimes very cheap; at other times very high, if you measure “price” by hard currency or materials.

I have seen us, women, suffer more because of our natural built, work harder, put more effort to be heard, seen, felt or simply included. But, as a group, we always ended up underestimated, undervalued. It doesn’t always take a male to do that to us, women hurt women too. Sometimes, we hurt ourselves the most as we try to fit in a merciless patriarchal society.

It is abominable that despite women’s indispensable contributions, women still fight for their existence, and some lose the battle in their homes alone or in front of a silent audience.

Anyone who belittles a woman, or hurts a woman or insults a woman or appoints himself an advocate or dictator of rules of conduct for a woman is retarded no matter who he is or what his rank is.

From the beginning of times, women led, fought and lived alongside men. They participated in war and peace, they governed, they philosophized, but they faded through history as they gave more life. That same life marginalized women and continues to do so in many places around the world.

I am ashamed of Lebanese lawmakers who don’t make it a priority to protect women and fight for their human rights and civil liberties. This country will not be saved by extremism and backwardness. Nor will it be saved by superficiality and idiocy. It will not be saved as long as we allow one woman to die at the hands of a spouse.

Shame on all who don’t send a message to every violent man out there that we will not let this happen again!

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