Legal Reform: Protection for Women from Domestic
Violence
One of our objectives in Banat Akhir Zaman is to
support, in any way we can, organizations working on
women's rights in the Arab world.
In our first
such initiative, we are currently supporting
KAFA,
Enough Violence and Exploitation, in their legal
reform campaign to introduce a law that protects women
from violence within the home. We are helping with media
work, as well as logistical support for the
consciousness-raising events organized around this
campaign.
Research
We have been conducting extensive research about
feminism (or the lack thereof) in Lebanon for the past 6
months. We are currently organizing our strategy for
2008 and conducting brainstorming sessions with young
women to come up with priority objectives and projects.
‘Banat Akhir Zaman’ Launches Feminist Campaign
BEIRUT;
March 7, 2008 – In the spirit of the International
Women’s Day, Banat Akhir Zaman, a grassroots movement
that seeks to achieve gender equality in Lebanon, have
launched their mission and objectives online at
www.banatakhirzaman.org. The name, which in Arabic means
“girls of the last times,” is derived from a common
Lebanese phrase used to indicate disapproval with young
women’s behavior that does not adhere to strict
traditional norms. The campaign advocates for the
personal, social, economic, and political rights of
women through empowerment and consciousness-raising.
The core
of Banat Akhir Zaman’s mission is a belief in the
indivisibility of women’s rights, that no single issue
is more important than the other, and that feminism
starts within. At the top of their list are goals
towards sexual and reproductive rights, which have long
been a taboo in Middle East and discussed only through
sensationalist media. These include programs to advocate
for legal and safe abortions, sexual health services,
and campaigns to eradicate rape and sexual harassment.
“Young
women in Lebanon are little aware of the oppressions and
injustices they face on a daily basis,” says Nadine
Moawad, Campaign Manager. “We have become accustomed to
sexism, to fear, to limitations, to abuse, and our basic
human rights are long overdue.”
The
campaign believes that only a woman’s personal
liberation can lead to economic equality, political and
legal reform, sustainable peace and true democracy.
Other objectives include support for marginalized women
and women-owned businesses, advocacy for more women in
political leadership, and raising national awareness
about feminism, the radical notion that men and women
are equal.
Banat
Akhir Zaman is entirely run by women volunteers and
calls upon women who share similar values to join the
campaign through the website
www.banatakhirzaman.org
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