10 Typical Misconceptions About Feminism We Hear In Lebanon

Despite all the legislative measures that work against gender equality in Lebanon, feminism is seemingly on the rise amongst younger generations.

But all the misconceptions around feminism and its interpretations aren’t exactly helping. Here are some of these misconceptions.

1. Speaking about sexual harassment and abuse is “trendy” and “sensationalized”

Kello sar yehke bel sexual harassment hala2, sarit mouda.
OR we’re speaking about sexual harassment because it happens? Everywhere? All the time?

2. Lebanon is sufficiently open-minded and this is a “western” injecton.

I’m pretty sure all the victims of domestic abuse and violence would disagree.

3. Feminism aims to marginalize men

Sar lezem l rejjel ytaleb b h2u2o hal eyyem
Why? Are underage boys being forced into marriage as well? Are men not permitted to file for divorces? Are men being routinely fired after having children?

4. Feminism = body hair

Ah ente feminist? Ya3ne ma betshile sha3er idayke.
Ana feminist ya3ne I want autonomy over MY body, and I want to choose what to do with MY own arms and MY own legs.

5. Feminists are lesbians or simply hate men

Ana manne feminist la eno ma bekrah l rjel.
Truly, what a loss for the entire feminist movement!
Newsflash, wanting gender equality does not mean the inherent hatred of men.

6. Feminists have shallow/superficial goals

Hala2 ente feminist bas kermel telebse short?
Well that and I also kind of want basic equal human rights, in the process. How about that?

7. Ekhdin kel h2u2kon, shu ba3ed badkon?

Please tell that to the girl who was raped by her uncle and still has to see him at every family gathering. Or to the mother who cannot give her children the Lebanese nationality.

8. Ana ma3 h2ou2 l mar2a, bas mish b kel shi

So you’re NOT ma3 h2ou2 l mar2a…

9. *says something completely misogynistic and sexist*
Hala2 byehejmo l feminists

Well don’t growl if you can’t bite!

10. Allah khala2na gher ba3ed, kif badkon equality?

Oh equality, such a foreign concept…