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Why Is Sexual Harassment In Lebanon Still A Laughing Matter?
Is sexual harassment a serious issue that should be debated and discussed, or is it okay to dismiss it as the least of our worries?
A reader sent in the following video, in which a group of boys think sexually harassing women in the street is a hilarious “prank”.
The comments were varied. Many (unfortunately) praised this new “style” of pranks, however, other normal, and non-rapey individuals questioned its humor. One asked if they think “verbal sexual assault and catcalling is funny”, to which this very funny group replied “always this one person”. How dare someone call them out for promoting, and turning a serious issue which is a reality for women and minors into a joke?
Another viewer asked them if they’d approve if the woman in question was a loved one, or a relative. Also a great point, but surely the fact that she is a human being is enough?
We attended the KIP conference on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment last week which brought speakers, politicians and writers together to discuss this live issue, with hundreds of people of all ages attending.
MP Ghassan Moukheiber was in attendance, and spoke intricately about the draft sexual harassment law that is currently being discussed. He noted that it is being treated with urgency and has captured the attention of all politicians, despite their political standings, who collectively agree on its importance. He further hinted at the possibility of it being enacted at the next Parliamentary legislative session.
Renowned lawyer Manar Zaiter presented a powerful speech, which was rightly hailed with applause. How can you draft a law without taking into consideration the power dynamics between men and women, and the economic exploitation of sexual violence for example within the most vulnerable communities in society including refugees and foreign workers? How can we talk about sexual harassment without considering the stereotypes of Lebanese women in the media, which encourages this sort of behaviour?
Judge Arlette Tabet gave an equally as empowering speech, talking about the wider problems in this context including prostitution, rape, abuse and illicit material gains, all at the expense of women which must not be forgotten. She further notes that the law is formed to protect society and to protect society’s morals before it protects individuals, and it is this that is the basis of injustice in many damning cases heard before the courts.
However, she wraps up her speech by giving us a glimmer of hope, that although the law does not protect, there may be a judge who indeed strives to ensure equality and justice for all.
One can’t help but think that efforts to combat harassment will be futile so long as men and women alike see harassment as a joke, as opposed to an attack on one’s dignity. This is confirmed by the laughter and applause this video of sexual harassment gained, as opposed to shaking heads and disappointment. It is also a shame that the group didn’t use this video as an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual harassment.
The quicker perceptions change, the quicker women, minors and men will be protected. Indeed, as Ms. Zaiter notes, sexual harassment should be seen as violence, and society is in dire need of a new interpretation of protection, sexual harassment, and the mechanisms of protection. The law must be replaced, and not simply amended.
Check out KIP’s Website for more information, or to re-watch or learn more about the talks and sessions that went on.
A reader sent in the following video, in which a group of boys think sexually harassing women in the street is a hilarious “prank”.
The comments were varied. Many (unfortunately) praised this new “style” of pranks, however, other normal, and non-rapey individuals questioned its humor. One asked if they think “verbal sexual assault and catcalling is funny”, to which this very funny group replied “always this one person”. How dare someone call them out for promoting, and turning a serious issue which is a reality for women and minors into a joke?
Another viewer asked them if they’d approve if the woman in question was a loved one, or a relative. Also a great point, but surely the fact that she is a human being is enough?
We attended the KIP conference on Discrimination and Sexual Harassment last week which brought speakers, politicians and writers together to discuss this live issue, with hundreds of people of all ages attending.
MP Ghassan Moukheiber was in attendance, and spoke intricately about the draft sexual harassment law that is currently being discussed. He noted that it is being treated with urgency and has captured the attention of all politicians, despite their political standings, who collectively agree on its importance. He further hinted at the possibility of it being enacted at the next Parliamentary legislative session.
Renowned lawyer Manar Zaiter presented a powerful speech, which was rightly hailed with applause. How can you draft a law without taking into consideration the power dynamics between men and women, and the economic exploitation of sexual violence for example within the most vulnerable communities in society including refugees and foreign workers? How can we talk about sexual harassment without considering the stereotypes of Lebanese women in the media, which encourages this sort of behaviour?
Judge Arlette Tabet gave an equally as empowering speech, talking about the wider problems in this context including prostitution, rape, abuse and illicit material gains, all at the expense of women which must not be forgotten. She further notes that the law is formed to protect society and to protect society’s morals before it protects individuals, and it is this that is the basis of injustice in many damning cases heard before the courts.
However, she wraps up her speech by giving us a glimmer of hope, that although the law does not protect, there may be a judge who indeed strives to ensure equality and justice for all.
One can’t help but think that efforts to combat harassment will be futile so long as men and women alike see harassment as a joke, as opposed to an attack on one’s dignity. This is confirmed by the laughter and applause this video of sexual harassment gained, as opposed to shaking heads and disappointment. It is also a shame that the group didn’t use this video as an opportunity to raise awareness about sexual harassment.
The quicker perceptions change, the quicker women, minors and men will be protected. Indeed, as Ms. Zaiter notes, sexual harassment should be seen as violence, and society is in dire need of a new interpretation of protection, sexual harassment, and the mechanisms of protection. The law must be replaced, and not simply amended.
Check out KIP’s Website for more information, or to re-watch or learn more about the talks and sessions that went on.