September 2016 Update
We started off welcoming everyone back with an AiW Open House event… Check out the pictures here! September seems to be busy for everyone! Holidays end, schools start, and LAU comes to life!
And then, we asked students what the word “gender” meant. One said: Gender is a word created to separate men and women. Gender should not define you. And another student added: All genders have the right to try everything. No restrictions.
And finally, one student explained that we are told that we are all born equal, but some seem to be “more equal” than the others. She elaborated: Men in Lebanon are those who are more equal! Perhaps this is true everywhere? Food for thought, surely!
Meanwhile, I started the month at the 13th AWID International Forum in Brazil! AWID is an international feminist organization committed to achieving gender equality, sustainable development and women’s human rights. This year’s forum theme – “Feminist Futures: Building Collective Power for Rights and Justice” – fits perfectly with AiW’s commitment to gender equality, human rights, and social justice. The event takes place every 3-4 years and this year it brought together thousands of activists. It was the first time the Institute was present – but will surely not be the last! We are claiming our space in these critical international events!
At the very same time, our LAU Academic Center in NYC hosted its annual Gala Dinner – in honor of AiW! To know more about this event, head to this page!
And – at the same time, AiW launched its amazing gender equality animated song - “In My Hand”, Bi Ideh in Arabic. This song was released simultaneously in Brazil, NYC, and of course here in Lebanon!
This is a lighthearted approach to a challenging issue in the region in order to address issues of equality, rights, and representation. There are in fact no songs in Arabic that address gender issues in this way and appeal to young people - this song sets a precedent for the region!
It was written by a famous team of Lebanese songwriters – Noel and Michelle Keserwany – who use humor to convey social messages. The singers, sound technician, and animator are all young Lebanese. Every aspect of this song is a product of Arab youth – both male and female – to convey the message of partnership built on equality. And - the female voice is our very own Lynn Jbeily, an LAU student!
The song asks us to claim our power and make change:
If you’ve seen injustice and you did not move
Then through the years, what will improve?
After all – equality is better for everyone! Watch, enjoy, and share everywhere!
Also this month, AiW welcomed two fellows from the Leaders for Democracy Fellowship (LDF), a program funded by the US State Department to support civil society leaders from the region to more effectively address current political and social challenges in their communities. The program combines five weeks of academic learning with a nine-week practicum. AiW hosts Suha Abdul Kareem Abed and Nacira Amari. Suha is a journalist and activist from Mosul, Iraq and an engineer by training. Nacira is the head of the Economy and Finance Department of the Municipal People’s Assembly of Saida state, Algeria. She established an organization to promote science among youth in Algeria. We’re delighted to have these two dynamic women with us!
And finally, we’ve been asked to write for The Conversation, a global media resource with expert articles and interesting ideas. Read our first piece – on gender-based violence in the Arab world and around the world.
Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook and Twitter – lots happening this fall!
Welcome back!
Lina
