{"id":16161,"date":"2026-04-03T11:16:37","date_gmt":"2026-04-03T11:16:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/women-and-public-affairs-a-storm-of-counter-campaigns\/"},"modified":"2026-04-05T06:41:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-05T06:41:16","slug":"women-and-public-affairs-a-storm-of-counter-campaigns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/women-and-public-affairs-a-storm-of-counter-campaigns\/","title":{"rendered":"Women and Public Affairs: A Storm of Counter-Campaigns"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stories are told within society, and reports <\/a>confirm, that some walls of homes were not merely stones, but solid barriers that shut doors in the face of many dreams women aspired to. Yet, there are women who fought fiercely to open windows that would light up a vast horizon where ambitions and dreams take shape. Windows that overlook a space without limits, indifferent to smear campaigns that ranged from accusing them of triviality and superficiality to claims of seeking dominance. <\/p>\n\n

Today, campaigns against women have taken on a new form, targeting those who wish to engage in public affairs through defamation, verbal harassment, and other methods. This is reflected in reports by SMEX<\/a> on digital safety, within a society that has defined a fixed stereotype of women\u2019s roles, standing as a passive observer, engraving these campaigns into its memory while neglecting to verify their accuracy. <\/p>\n\n

In contrast, there are examples of women who have reached positions of decision-making, such as Lebanese MP Najat Aoun Saliba. She says:“There was some doubt surrounding my candidacy. It was not entirely certain, or at least I was not following these campaigns closely. I was able to run and prove myself as a capable woman. However, my issue today is with those closest to me, who use this patriarchal method to prevent me from running again, even though they know my abilities. This is because I exposed their failures.” <\/p>\n\n

Reaching a position of power does not shield<\/a> a woman from personal attacks. In this context, Dr. May Maroun, a professor of educational sociology, says:“When a problem arises, the focus shifts to the woman herself, rather than her ideas and capabilities. This is what happened recently in Parliament.” <\/p>\n\n

When a problem arises, the focus is placed on the woman herself, <\/em> and not on her ideas and abilities.<\/em><\/pre>\n\n
Maroun adds in her interview that opportunities were available for many women in Lebanon due to the political involvement of a husband or brother. Looking back at women\u2019s participation in industrial societies, she notes that it was driven by lower wages compared to men, rather than male openness. Today, some women have reached Parliament and ministerial positions from strong cultural backgrounds, yet their numbers remain limited.       <\/p>\n\n
In defining responsibility, Maroun believes it is shared between society and women. Women are expected to break the stereotype that men participating in household work is shameful, especially for working women. At the same time, women themselves, as mothers or grandmothers, may plant certain ideas in children\u2019s minds, such as that men become political leaders or that women are weak. She also points to jealousy among women at times, and the tendency to attribute a woman\u2019s success to a man, as if she cannot succeed independently.           <\/p>\n\n
Maroun sees that addressing this issue requires significant efforts to free women from the stereotypical constraints imposed by a patriarchal society. She adds that women carry heavy burdens when working both inside and outside the home, stressing the importance of shared responsibilities between men and women, especially as some men expect women to fulfill all roles. She also highlights the importance of financial independence, which enables women to make decisions.     <\/p>\n\n
Between Responding and Not Responding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
Online campaigns against women may lead to their exclusion from participation in public affairs. Some women choose to respond, while others refrain to avoid escalation. Psychologist Dr. Ahmad Sherri explains that psychological impacts vary, with stronger effects linked to a social lens that views men as the source of achievements, placing women under both personal and societal pressure.        <\/p>\n\n
Moderate effects, according to Sherri, are related to the level of openness within societies, which varies across the Middle East, as well as the degree of preparedness women have for such attacks.    <\/p>\n\n
Sherri believes that some campaigns focus on superficial matters that women may anticipate, while others target personal issues, where responding becomes necessary, but through a well-planned strategy. He adds:“In psychology, we encourage constructive emotional responses based on finding solutions. Responding with an eye for an eye does not benefit women and may be used against them. Even through confrontation, we aim to build a positive image.”<\/p>\n\n
He stresses the importance of strengthening women internally through psychological support or life coaching, and externally through supportive environments, forming a network that understands the challenges women may face.   <\/p>\n\n
Legal Protection and Reporting Mechanisms<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
MP Najat Aoun Saliba states:“Digital violence is accessible to everyone. The space is open, and each person holds a small television through which they express their opinions, using it for good or harm. Today, many fake accounts generate words that are assembled into convincing narratives, used as electronic armies against anyone who disturbs them, especially when some believe that women have taken their place or imposed their presence, leading them to attempt to destroy their credibility in this way.”      <\/p>\n\n
Regarding legal protection, lawyer and human rights activist Ali Abbas explains that Lebanese law addresses defamation, slander, spreading rumors, and harmful publications, whether fabricated or degrading. These can be subject to legal action through complaints filed by affected women.         <\/p>\n\n
Digital violence is accessible to everyone, and the space is open, <\/em> each person holds a small television through which they express their opinions, for good or for harm. <\/em><\/pre>\n\n
Complaints are referred to the Cybercrime Bureau in Chevrolets, where the source or account responsible for harm is traced. If located within Lebanon, it is possible to identify and hold accountable those involved, whether directly or through participation such as commenting or promoting. The challenge arises when the source is outside Lebanon, making accountability difficult.        <\/p>\n\n
As for public prosecution, Abbas notes that action is usually not taken automatically unless it involves individuals of high social status, and even then, typically without a formal complaint.  <\/p>\n\n
Quota as a Starting Point for a Solution <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n
Amid these complexities, MP Najat Aoun Saliba sees the first solution in adopting a law that enforces women\u2019s representation in Parliament, known as the quota<\/a>. She points out that including women on electoral lists, often used as a form of display by male candidates, concealed a known reality that these women were unlikely to win seats.      <\/p>\n\n
She adds that various organizations are actively advocating for this approach by engaging with MPs and fostering discussions within Parliament. It is important to continue this effort to pass the law and ensure adequate representation of women in the Lebanese Parliament.   <\/p>\n\n
The question remains whether even stronger campaigns will emerge after such a law is passed<\/a>, given that solutions require time due to their complexity. This calls for stricter regulatory frameworks to protect women, the formation of parliamentary committees focused on women\u2019s issues, and the development of reporting mechanisms to monitor and respond to campaigns targeting women, both during candidacy and after reaching positions of power.<\/p>\n\n
This report is supported by:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Stories are told within society, and reports confirm, that some walls of homes were not merely stones, but solid barriers that shut doors in the face of many dreams women aspired to. Yet, there are women who fought fiercely to open windows that would light up a vast horizon where ambitions and dreams take shape. Windows that overlook a space without limits, indifferent to smear campaigns that ranged from accusing them of triviality and superficiality to claims of seeking dominance. Today, campaigns against women have taken on a new form, targeting those who wish to engage in public affairs through defamation, verbal harassment, and other methods. This is reflected in reports by SMEX on digital safety, within a society that has defined a fixed stereotype of women\u2019s roles, standing as a passive observer, engraving these campaigns into its memory while neglecting to verify their accuracy. In contrast, there are examples of women who have reached positions of decision-making, such as Lebanese MP Najat Aoun Saliba. She says:“There was some doubt surrounding my candidacy. It was not entirely certain, or at least I was not following these campaigns closely. I was able to run and prove myself as a capable woman. However, my issue today is with those closest to me, who use this patriarchal method to prevent me from running again, even though they know my abilities. This is because I exposed their failures.” Reaching a position of power does not shield a woman from personal attacks. In this context, Dr. May Maroun, a professor of educational sociology, says:“When a problem arises, the focus shifts to the woman herself, rather than her ideas and capabilities. This is what happened recently in Parliament.” When a problem arises, the focus is placed on the woman herself, and not on her ideas and abilities. Maroun adds in her interview that opportunities were available for many women in Lebanon due to the political involvement of a husband or brother. Looking back at women\u2019s participation in industrial societies, she notes that it was driven by lower wages compared to men, rather than male openness. Today, some women have reached Parliament and ministerial positions from strong cultural backgrounds, yet their numbers remain limited. In defining responsibility, Maroun believes it is shared between society and women. Women are expected to break the stereotype that men participating in household work is shameful, especially for working women. At the same time, women themselves, as mothers or grandmothers, may plant certain ideas in children\u2019s minds, such as that men become political leaders or that women are weak. She also points to jealousy among women at times, and the tendency to attribute a woman\u2019s success to a man, as if she cannot succeed independently. Maroun sees that addressing this issue requires significant efforts to free women from the stereotypical constraints imposed by a patriarchal society. She adds that women carry heavy burdens when working both inside and outside the home, stressing the importance of shared responsibilities between men and women, especially as some men expect women to fulfill all roles. She also highlights the importance of financial independence, which enables women to make decisions. Between Responding and Not Responding Online campaigns against women may lead to their exclusion from participation in public affairs. Some women choose to respond, while others refrain to avoid escalation. Psychologist Dr. Ahmad Sherri explains that psychological impacts vary, with stronger effects linked to a social lens that views men as the source of achievements, placing women under both personal and societal pressure. Moderate effects, according to Sherri, are related to the level of openness within societies, which varies across the Middle East, as well as the degree of preparedness women have for such attacks. Sherri believes that some campaigns focus on superficial matters that women may anticipate, while others target personal issues, where responding becomes necessary, but through a well-planned strategy. He adds:“In psychology, we encourage constructive emotional responses based on finding solutions. Responding with an eye for an eye does not benefit women and may be used against them. Even through confrontation, we aim to build a positive image.” He stresses the importance of strengthening women internally through psychological support or life coaching, and externally through supportive environments, forming a network that understands the challenges women may face. Legal Protection and Reporting Mechanisms MP Najat Aoun Saliba states:“Digital violence is accessible to everyone. The space is open, and each person holds a small television through which they express their opinions, using it for good or harm. Today, many fake accounts generate words that are assembled into convincing narratives, used as electronic armies against anyone who disturbs them, especially when some believe that women have taken their place or imposed their presence, leading them to attempt to destroy their credibility in this way.” Regarding legal protection, lawyer and human rights activist Ali Abbas explains that Lebanese law addresses defamation, slander, spreading rumors, and harmful publications, whether fabricated or degrading. These can be subject to legal action through complaints filed by affected women. Digital violence is accessible to everyone, and the space is open, each person holds a small television through which they express their opinions, for good or for harm. Complaints are referred to the Cybercrime Bureau in Chevrolets, where the source or account responsible for harm is traced. If located within Lebanon, it is possible to identify and hold accountable those involved, whether directly or through participation such as commenting or promoting. The challenge arises when the source is outside Lebanon, making accountability difficult. As for public prosecution, Abbas notes that action is usually not taken automatically unless it involves individuals of high social status, and even then, typically without a formal complaint. Quota as a Starting Point for a Solution Amid these complexities, MP Najat Aoun Saliba sees the first solution in adopting a law that enforces women\u2019s representation in Parliament, known as the quota. She points out that including women on electoral lists, often used as a form of display by male<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":16160,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"elementor_theme","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[501,415,338],"tags":[633,347,343,670,671,363,357,345,449,376],"class_list":["post-16161","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-struggle-for-freedom-en","category-rights-are-not-given-they-are-taken","category-we-women","tag-elections","tag-lebanon-en","tag-mental_health","tag-public-affairs","tag-quota","tag-south","tag-war-en","tag-women","tag-womens-rights","tag-youth-en-2"],"blocksy_meta":[],"acf":[],"rttpg_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM.jpeg",1280,562,false],"landscape":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM.jpeg",1280,562,false],"portraits":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM.jpeg",1280,562,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM-150x150.jpeg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM-300x132.jpeg",300,132,true],"large":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM-1024x450.jpeg",1024,450,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM.jpeg",1280,562,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/WhatsApp-Image-2026-04-03-at-2.08.30-PM.jpeg",1280,562,false]},"rttpg_author":{"display_name":"\u0644\u0644\u064a \u0631\u0627\u062c\u062d","author_link":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/author\/lally-rajeh\/"},"rttpg_comment":0,"rttpg_category":"Struggle for Freedom<\/a> Rights Are Not Given\u2026 They Are Taken<\/a> We, the Women<\/a>","rttpg_excerpt":"Stories are told within society, and reports confirm, that some walls of homes were not merely stones, but solid barriers that shut doors in the face of many dreams women aspired to. Yet, there are women who fought fiercely to open windows that would light up a vast horizon where ambitions and dreams take shape.…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16161","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16161"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16161\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16164,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16161\/revisions\/16164"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/16160"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16161"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16161"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/silatwassel.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16161"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}