"The Soul Institute"

"The Soul Institute"

The body wrapped in the soul.

Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges: The Fight for Gender Equality in Lebanon

In a recent episode of ENYTinG Gender, I had the honor of conversing with a remarkable individual whose story embodies the relentless struggle for gender equality in Lebanon: Elsa Carmen Saliba, a passionate individual with a sense of purpose and drive to excel. She embodies the activist, the player, and the scholar for those who cannot, for whatever reasons. The conversation with her revealed an arsenal of facets of the power of she to fight issues of gender based violence and domestic abuse in her country.

A Dual Life: Academic Pursuits and Athletic Achievements

Elsa's life is a testament to the power of perseverance. Balancing her academic career with her passion for rugby, she brings a unique perspective to the intersectionality of sports, politics, and women empowerment. Her success on the field and in academia speaks volumes of her exemplary dedication.

The Cultural Dichotomy and Societal Expectations

Our exchange unveiled the cultural conundrums affecting Lebanese women, torn between traditional expectations and their own identities. Elsa dissected the historical contexts that shape this dichotomy, revealing the significant trials women face in pursuit of personal freedoms.

Navigating the Duality: Support Systems and Legal Frameworks

Lebanon, adorned with its communal support, also exhibits stark weaknesses in its legal infrastructure. Elsa highlighted the limitations faced by women, from the inability to pass nationality to their offspring to the lack of proper legal responses for domestic crimes such as marital rape.

Media's Role and the Generational Gap

The influences of Lebanese media on women's portrayal can't be understated. Elsa brought attention to the shifts in perspective among different generations, reflecting the evolution of women's roles and the challenges in redefining feminism across different age groups.

Bridging Generational Divides and Personal Growth

Elsa generously shared her personal ventures, including bridging the gap with her father, underscoring the imperative of dialogue and patience in the pursuit of understanding within families.

Activism and the Path Forward

The pathways to activism are manifold, and for Elsa, her journey began early on, shaped by an acute awareness of minority rights. She expressed enthusiasm for ongoing grassroots efforts addressing issues like period stigma and advocating for sexual assault awareness in Lebanon.

Engaging Men in Advocacy and Policy Change

The conversation recognized the necessity of male involvement in the fight for gender equality. Elsa shared successful initiatives aimed at teaching men to address abuse positively and underscored the urgent need for inclusive policy reforms, particularly in educational settings.

The Plight of "Paperless" Individuals and the Future of Women's Rights

A critical topic we broached dealt with the struggles of "paperless" individuals in Lebanon. Elsa discussed the severe repercussions of having no citizenship, mainly affecting women and children, and critiqued the criminalization of abortion and the taboo surrounding sexual health.

Despite these manifold challenges, Elsa's outlook remains fortified with optimism, driven by the palpable energy of Lebanon's youth and their progressive actions fostering gender equality.

A Hopeful Conclusion

As our inspiring session came to a close, Elsa's passion for a transformed Lebanon, brimming with gender equality, shone through her narrative. Her aspirations stir hope for a future free from gender-based discrimination—a beacon for change in the region.

The discourse with Elsa Carmen Saliba revealed not just the complexities that Lebanese women navigate daily, but also the undying flame of advocacy that will lead society towards equality and justice. The road is indeed long and filled with hurdles, but with the commitment of individuals like Elsa and the larger community, a new dawn of gender equity in Lebanon is on the horizon.

— Sharmin Prince

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