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Beirut Governor Justifies Sexual Assault In Disgusting Metaphor
Beirut Governor Judge Marwan Abboud is under fire for a disgusting remark he made following the launch of a new policy and reporting mechanism in collaboration with UNICEF that aims to protect, prevent, and respond to cases of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment within the Beirut Municipality.
While announcing the new policy, Abboud resorted to victim-blaming and explained that although they will be working to ensure its implementation, “one should not put fire on the gunpowder” in reference to women who report sexual harassment while “wearing a 10-centimeter-long skirt”.
— Ibrahim Rihan – (@IbrahimRihan2) September 22, 2022
Such sexist remarks are not new, especially not amongst Lebanese politicians. Despite the prevalence of gender-based violence and the normalization of sexual abuse and harassment in Lebanon, few legal changes were made in order to prevent or protect.
It is highly unlikely that this new policy puts in sufficient safeguards to protect citizens from a deep-seated patriarchy, considering the person seeking to implement it is plagued with misogyny and does not realize that like-minded people are the reason that gender based violence has been on the rise.
An equally concerning matter is that the statement was possibly made before UNICEF representatives. The agency has yet to make any comment on the matter.
It’s safe to say that the future of women and girls is in good hands.
