Women, Arab Spring, any lessons learned?

 European Forum for Democracy and Solidarity - Social Democratic Women of the Arab Spring

I had forgotten about this paper by Nabila Sattar and Sonja Lokar.

I will just reproduce here my contribution to this paper, but take time to read it all online, it is and interesting read.

Lebanon – Khatoun Haidar
Founder of the Lebanese Association for Societal Synergy

The Arab Spring is a broad description. During the first stage which can be defined as the

‘uprising’ there is a certain unity of specifics that we see in all countries touched by what was

later called the ‘Arab Spring’. Women were among the first wave that took to the streets– some

with their children – to demand change. They came from all social classes, they participated

side-by-side with their fellow male protestors creating a feeling of equality and lessened the

gender differences. They made their voice heard.

Women were an integral part of the revolutionary efforts. Yet women did not escape the human

cost of this uprising. During police repression they were beaten, sometimes raped by police

and pro-regime thugs after demonstrations. Scores of women across the region were

abducted, detained, or just disappeared.

As events developed the narrative changed dramatically from one country to another. In some,

change came with newly elected governments; in others it was civil war and mayhem. The

role of women differed from one country to another. True they continued to be part of the

process of change, yet their scope for participation did not seem to be a priority for

revolutionary forces. Overall, we can say that the ‘gains’ for women in terms of gender roles

was mostly lost in the post-revolutions period. Yet the Arab Spring empowered women to

make better use of their capacity and their full potential to contribute to change. Longer-term,

for this to be sustainable, the changes should develop alongside practical strategies to

empower women and build their leadership capacity.

In the wake of the Arab Spring, Arab countries are now experiencing different stages of

transitional processes taking on different forms in each country. Generally, internationally

sponsored dialogue is established, constitutions are drafted, elections are held, and interim

governments are formed. The transitional process needs to be balanced on the gender level.

It is a window of opportunity for women to challenge gender discrimination and gender

stereotyping.

The media has been a major player in challenging entrenched gendered practices in deep-rooted

structures that are not easily changed. For the last eight years, I personally and

Synergy have been engaged in action which reached hundreds of Syrian women and men

journalists to sensitize them to gender justice. Some of them now proactively advocate and

lobby for gender rights and in doing so are building their democratic and leadership skills.

More than ten of the most read new Syrian media outlets are involved in this capacity building

process at all levels.

The aim and vision are that women together with feminist men at all levels must collaborate

and organize joint actions because this will secure more support from the community; it is the

best way to secure the critical mass capable of influencing the decision-making processes of

leaders and officials.

What has happened as a result?

Many argue that the 2005 Cedar Revolution was a precursor to the Arab Spring. I will not

argue whether that is true or not. Yet it is a fact that the structure, culture, and historic

development of Lebanon differs from the Arab Spring countries. It has a long history and

tradition of democracy and freedom of speech. The problems inherent to Lebanon are different

in nature and scope to other Arab Spring countries. For example, the revolt in 2019 did not

demand ‘regime’ change, rather it demanded early elections as a means to change the political

class.

The Arab uprisings have put Lebanon under strain. The revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt

caused limited reverberations, the war in Syria had crucial dramatic consequences. Over one

million Syrian refugees, equal to one-quarter of Lebanon’s population, came to Lebanon in

that period. The country’s economy and its already weak public infrastructure has been

strongly impacted. Hezbollah’s engagement in Syria has put Lebanon in the quagmire of the

"game of nations". Terrorist attacks by ISIL put the country at unease. However, Lebanon’s

political elites have vowed to shield the country from regional turbulences. For this reason, my

and Synergy’s actions were directed towards Syria.

How important was it for you to directly exchange experiences with other

women activists?

Very important, even crucial. It made clear the communality of women issues, the

methodology and tools of change. But it also stressed the differences when stages of

development are different rather than ‘cultural’ disparities.

Having opened in 2011, did the door close again for you in the last 10 years?

Why should it? It is not the first period of change, success, and defeat that I witnessed, in the

region and around the world. Incremental changes will someday lead to structural and

qualitative change. It is inevitable.

What are your learnings?

All the above!