Female journalists- activists: We are strong with our unity, cohesion, and will

Women in particular are exposed to increasing violence by dictatorial regimes that seek in various ways to eradicate their identity and culture and prevent them in every way from performing their natural role in society. This is matched by an unparalleled women’s struggle that has begun to increase significantly in recent times at levels that may be different and varying, but it has become clear It is evident in many societies that are accustomed to excluding women from all areas of life, under religious, customary and cultural pretexts.

Situations of conflict and conflict are in the interest of dictatorial regimes

Iman Abu Assaf, a human rights activist from the city of As-Suwayda, believed that it is in the interest of dictatorial regimes to maintain all behaviors that place society in a state of conflict and strife. The state of slavery is very suitable for creating a herd state, and it is known that any restricted society is unable to accomplish any free action.

Iman explained in an interview with ANHA agency: “The more a woman is in a state of submission and submissiveness, the more her need for a man is basic, whether economically or socially, which is a total destruction of women.”

Iman added that the unemployment of more than half of society is to confine the task of tyranny to one path, as the authority does not want any additional burden demanding rights, and confining women is useful isolation, even if the matter requires reviving everything that restricts and obstructs their freedom, by exploiting authoritarian religion and some wrong customs and traditions.

Women are peacemakers

Iman pointed out the emergence of women's movements that appear to be more mature and aware, overcoming many of the societal and political authoritarian obstacles, and began to practice the process of intellectual criticism of all oppressive practices. Also, the process of traditional roles that were inserted into her with a masculine and authoritarian architecture took on in her public consciousness the position of observation and criticism, and her going out into the squares are certain signs that her consciousness will be freed.

Human rights activist Iman Abu Assaf concluded her speech by saying: “Women are peacemakers by virtue of their original nature. They can create concepts of co-existence, tolerance, acceptance of others, and end forms of conflict. In fact, their traditional roles were mainly calming and calling for defusing any fighting, and today they must strive to create peace.” Mechanisms of thinking that systematize and establish concepts of peace.”

Deep-rooted masculine mentality

For her part, Lebanese journalist Caroline Bazzi believed that women's exposure to violence in any society, whether with dictatorial regimes or those characterized by civilization and democracy, is because "the male mentality is still rooted in various societies."

Caroline explained: “Women have suffered from violence for decades, starting from their inner circle (the family) and reaching society with all its ramifications. Unfortunately, the progress, development, and awareness that we experience in our societies today have not contributed to reducing the level of violence because the male mentality still exists.”

Caroline pointed out that “some still consider women less worthy than men, and still view them as the weakest link, despite the presence of many strong women who were able to defend their causes and themselves, such as Palestinian women who are exposed to the worst types of violence, murder and rape from the Israeli occupation.” Passing through the Kurdish women who were able to assume important leadership positions, especially within the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria.”

The role of women's associations and organizations

Women's associations and organizations have recently contributed to raising the level of awareness among women through multiple training seminars in cities and rural areas, in addition to journalistic and media training, which contributed to spreading awareness among women who the associations could not reach. Thanks to this, issues of violence against women have turned into issues of public opinion. Through protest movements and interaction on virtual networking sites, which sometimes contributed to the prosecution of perpetrators and violent people, according to Caroline.

Caroline pointed out that some associations have adopted the principle of double standards, and in women's issues they have chosen some and left out others, perhaps for political considerations or because of the influence of the funding body in choosing the issues that they can highlight.

Caroline stressed the need for women's associations and organizations to be freed from political and sectarian considerations that greatly affect their work, and the need to increase training courses for women and even men. Because this will help men and women liberate themselves from the masculine mentality and raise their level of awareness and understanding.

At the conclusion of her speech, Lebanese journalist Caroline Bazzi urged all women in the world who are exposed to violence in its various forms to raise their voices, reject injustice, and trust that “we are all on their side, as we are strong with our unity, cohesion, and will.”

Gender imbalances in the balance of power

Politically, Jordanian social activist Dr. Heba Haddadin attributed violence against women in politics to gender imbalances in the balance of power and discrimination based on sex, in addition to the entrenchment of patriarchal male authority and traditional stereotypical images and roles of the sexes.

In addition, gender-based violence in its various forms, such as psychological, verbal, physical, and legislative attacks, contributes to acts of sexual harassment, whether in person or online harassment, all of which together continue to put pressure on women, where in many times and societies there is no Equal access to rights and opportunities, according to Heba.

Jordanian social activist Heba Haddadin called on women's organizations and movements to listen to the stories of victims of violence, and to try to provide them with the necessary protection in order to speak freely and not expose the victim to any harassment or bullying, in addition to achieving a safe and sound democratic environment for women in public life.