* Any views expressed in this opinion piece are those of the author and not of Thomson Reuters Foundation.
On a stage in Lebanon, an oppressive father whips his daughter – punishment for disobeying his command and eloping with the man she loves. For Ali Caracalla, one of the co-writers of “Out of Hand”, this is more than just a play. “It’s inspired from our reality,” explains Ali, a computer science student at Lebanon university.
Ali is part of a growing movement of young men across the Middle East who, supported by Oxfam and partner KAFA, are committed to raising awareness amongst their male counterparts on ending violence against women. The campaign is the first of its kind in Arab countries, and underlines the importance of working with men and boys to bring about real and lasting change.
Last year, KAFA began a programme in Lebanon educating men, including a co-operative of beekeepers and a group of religious leaders, about the ills of violence against women, both to the women themselves, and to the psychological and economic health of the family as a whole.
Ali’s own involvement in the campaign is motivated by personal experience. He explains, “I know several girls that had no choice in marriage and their parents decided without their approval. To me, this is violence and grievances against women.”
This is Ali’s first time working as a volunteer for women’s rights, and he’s not alone. Ali Ahmed Raad, another recent graduate from university, is also beginning to speak out on women’s rights. Raad, now a part time teacher and active volunteer with several civil society organisations, has witnessed the psychological effects of women affected by verbal violence. “Psychological violence has a much deeper impact,” he tells me. Raad is trying to convince others that “violence can take several forms, such as verbal and emotional abuse.” In a recent focus group organised by Oxfam, Raad was surprised to learn that many men think “violence is all about the use of force against women.”
For Raad, this campaign is unique in the Arab World and offers practical solutions to help raise awareness of gender based violence. By wearing a white ribbon and taking part in focus groups, surveys and assessments, Raad hopes he can contribute towards ending violence against women in Lebanon. So far Raad has persuaded fifteen of his friends and colleagues to join the campaign. This is unprecedented in Lebanese society where, Raad explains, “engaging men to empower women is considered to be unusual”.
It’s just the beginning but these new voices are critical ones in bringing about changes in attitudes and awareness. Gender based violence is still largely ignored by the Arab world, and every year thousands of women are affected by domestic violence throughout the region. In Lebanon, a UNFPA study showed that 35% of the women abused had been victims of domestic violence. As Ghida Anani, a programme co-ordinator with KAFA, explains, “Men are part of the problem, but they are also part of the solution.”
Raad has one final message to mark International Women’s Day: “With a loud voice, I call on men all over the world to respect women’s rights”. Ali agrees, adding, “I urge the international community and donors to support Arab women so they can realise their rights.” For Raad, Ali, and their fellow activists, I hope this message is heard and their voices help bring about a new reality for women affected by domestic violence in the Arab World.
Photo: Jennifer Abrahamson/Oxfam
