On the move

While it is universally recognized that abusing and physically harming a woman are hideous crimes, the same cannot be said for many forms of “invisible” violence that leave no bruises and are rarely called by their proper name. It is therefore essential to identify and denounce these 'practices of everyday or ordinary sexism' because they constitute the socio-cultural and psychological fertile ground for more serious and sometimes irreversible acts of violence. We discussed this and more with Lorenzo Gasparrini, feminist philosopher and anti-sexism activist, author of the blog Questo uomo no and numerous books, and expert in gender education.

Many abuses do not make it to the headlines because they leave no visible bruises, and yet, they affect the lives of thousands of women every day. Misogynous and abusive behaviors are widespread in our societies but continue to be belittled or even denied instead of being called by their proper name. All this and more are topics we discussed with Lorenzo Gasparrini, feminist philosopher, anti-sexism activist, author of the blog “Questo uomo no” and numerous books, and expert in gender education. Here is the first part of a long interview Gasparrini gave to Medfeminiswiya on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, 2022.

As feminists, we should never tire of repeating that all people have the right to bread, but also to roses. One must add that those with the privilege of enjoying both have a duty to share them. So go ahead, start reading "Medfeminiswiya". There, you will find knowledge, beauty and long-awaited promises of a better future.

Marianne Chbat, Canadian of Lebanese-Egyptian origin, has a PhD in applied human sciences from the University of Montreal. Her field of expertise is LGBTQ migrants, mainly from the Middle East. The young woman was one of the speakers at the “Transnational Solidarities and Global Queer Policies” conference recently held in Tunis. Below is an interview we did with her during the event.

Hela Ouardi, Professor of French literature and civilization at the University of Tunis, and associate researcher of the CNRS Laboratory for Studies on Monotheisms, continues a process of reflection initiated over the course of her works in which she deconstructs a myriad of myths related to the first period of Islam.

The Festival of Mediterranean citizens, held in Catania from 2 till 5 June 2022, hosted a debate on the power relations and the persistence of gender discrimination. The subject is complex, multifaceted and requires rigorous discussions that vary significantly depending on the context. A journalist from Medfeminiswiya participated in the meeting to talk about the situation in Italy.

In Spain, menstrual pain was finally recognized as a source of potential temporary disability. As a result, the government granted women their right to three days of leave during menstruation.

Except in the eyes of those who downgrade women in society and look at icons among them as bodies that must be covered, Ons Jabeur is the pride of so many Tunisians and a true success story that can inspire hundreds of others…

“To me, Jenin is not a one ephemeral story in my career or even in my personal life. It is the city that can raise my morale and help me fly. It embodies the Palestinian spirit that sometimes trembles and falls but, beyond all expectations, rises to pursue its flights and dreams.”

The assassination of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh by Israeli forces in Jenin while covering an Israeli raid, has sparked an unparalleled wave of outrage, while an immeasurable crowd of Palestinians thronged to her funeral. From Tunis to Beirut, the journalists of Medfeminiswiya also tell of their emotion at learning the news.