Al Rawiya

14/11/2023

29/09/2023

In an interview in our issue 6, Mauj talks about the differences in the way women are treated depending on their s*x life. On one hand, we have what is considered holy and accepted, and on the other hand, we have what is seen as unholy and shameful. Depending on the perspective taken, women are perceived differently, even though they can be the exact same person.

“As women, our anatomy is inherently separated into the holy and unholy by society. The reproductive system is considered holy: it is what brings a child to life and in Arab society, this role - the role of the mother- is revered. And yet, it is like society forgets or purposefully conceals what leads up to that. This leads us to the unholy, which has everything to do with the s*xual process, even when s*xual and reproductive processes concern the same organs in your body.”

Note from the team: Ever since we were little girls, we were made to understand - both directly and indirectly- that our bodies were not necessarily ours. They were society’s to judge and control; a vessel determining our worth and our family’s reputation. The term female s*xual health was a for...

22/09/2023

19/09/2023

In a personal essay, Emma Jowdy delves into the quest for freedom through art. We discover how photography, tattoos and other forms of creative expression serve as powerful tools for individuals to convey their innermost thoughts, emotions, and experiences, fostering connections and freedom of (self) expression.

For as long as I can remember, I have always had an interest in art, specifically photography. As I got older, the urge to capture moments, people and memories grew stronger. My camera doesn’t only capture pictures: it tells the subjects’ stories and it translates the way that I perceive the wor...

12/09/2023

At a certain point in time, the Arab Spring was a sign of hope and revolution for many in the region. Unfortunately, in the past few years, the region has witnessed a reversal of all that took place, with freedoms declining and democracy’s light waning. Mohammad Sahily explores this decline and delves into why the region has become what it has post-Arab Spring.

If we were to lay out some metrics which define a developed society, many things would come to mind. However, the most crucial of all these metrics is freedom, specifically freedom of expression.

11/09/2023

Riwayetna روايتنا

Stand-up comedian and actor, Dave Merheje regularly uses his Lebanese-Canadian background to make people laugh, but also for himself, in a therapeutic way. Not only does he excel in stand-up comedy, but also increasingly in TV series, with a supporting role in Ramy and soon in the film ""Sometimes I think about dying""; roles that allow him to discover new genres of self-expression.

Comedy has always been in the background of my life ever since I was a little boy. My family were jokers, and as I was growing up, I started to fall in love with it without even realizing; it was all over television, the cinema, everywhere. My uncle introduced me to the greats, Eddie Murphy, Richard...

06/09/2023

"In Lebanon, domestic workers are expected to execute their assigned tasks to perfection and without question. Non-compliance can easily be punished by withheld pay, termination of employment, or worse, verbal, physical, or s*xual abuse. Workers will perform their assignments for an average 100-hour work week, and the notion of overtime pay is virtually nonexistent.” (Nicolas Haddad, Al Rawiya).

In this fourth episode of the podcast, Stephani (.moukhaiber) spoke with This is Lebanon (), an NGO with the aim to effectively end government-sanctioned, modern-day slavery in Lebanon, about the history of the kafala system, its policies and its dark underbelly.

Watch the full episode - Link in bio

Stay tuned and be sure to subscribe for updates on upcoming episodes! Follow us on:

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Creator & Host: Stephani Moukhaiber (.moukhaiber)
Director: Zakaria Jaber ()
Editor: Studio Accronym
Visuals & animation: Aseel Hariri (.seelhariri)
Audio Track: Jares Music ()
Translation: IPH Studio

In this episode, Stephani takes on understanding the Kafala System in Lebanon with the insight and knowledge of This is Lebanon. Together, they dive deep int...

06/09/2023

Super exciting collaboration coming up with photographer Fatima Elie.

Are you of Levantine origins living in the diaspora, or did you live in the diaspora and have now returned to the homeland? Are you currently residing in Beirut or planning to visit in the next few months?

We're looking for individuals to share their stories and experiences about being part of the diaspora.

This project will be released near the upcoming summer. If you or someone you know is interested in being interviewed or if you have any questions, please DM us or email us at [email protected].

05/09/2023

In this article, Bayan Abusalameh draws on her own experience as Palestinian woman in STEM to discuss the inequalities that women face in the field, primarily in their quest to fund their research and graduate degrees.

As I embarked on my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering at Birzeit University in 2014, I was struck by the under-representation of women in my field. In a class of over 70 students, I was one of just four women. I faced persistent stereotypes and dismissive comments from both my peers and...

05/09/2023

In episode 4 of our podcast, we welcome This is Lebanon to talk about the kafala system, its history, policies and horrific stories of, what we call today, modern-day slavery.

THIS IS LEBANON is a non-profit association run by a coalition of former migrant workers and activists demanding protection for migrant domestic workers and an end to exploitation and abuse, with the aim of ending government-sanctioned modern-day slavery in Lebanon.

See you on Wednesday at 6pm

In this episode, Stephani takes on understanding the Kafala System in Lebanon with the insight and knowledge of This is Lebanon. Together, they dive deep int...

04/09/2023

Riwayetna روايتنا

At just 24 years old, Sandra Succar has already claimed the title of World MMA Champion. Her journey, which began in her early years, has been anything but smooth sailing. Yet, Sandra remains determined in each of her training sessions and in each of her fights, acknowledging the supportive influence of her coach and loved ones on her journey.

Read her entire story on Riwayetna

At 24, I've journeyed from the confines of a basement to the electrifying octagon of MMA arenas, carving a path that led me to becoming the reigning MMA Asia and world champion. It's been a wild ride that has taught me invaluable lessons in fortitude, strength, resilience, and the power of chasing y...

29/08/2023

While navigating the heart of a protest, Béatrice Chahine contemplates the essence of her liberty in her evocative poem 'Promeneuses'.

Photo credit: Cynthia Ghoussoub

Today, earlier, I strolled through a strike, erupting into smoke, shouting banderoles and songs and messages to organized governance persevering to destroy, and parading in a closed circle tightly knits trumpets and brass, before they trudged past one by one, red flag after purple flag after rainbow...

28/08/2023

Riwayetna روايتنا

Ziad Abichaker, Founder of Cedar Environmental and environmental engineer is committed to revolutionize waste management and sustainability in Lebanon. Despite facing political obstacles and corruption in Lebanon's waste management sector, he's pioneered innovative solutions like composting and Eco-board technology, all while advocating for transparency and change.

Read his journey on Riwayetna

As an environmental engineer and industrial engineer, my passion for waste management and sustainability was ignited during my second year at Rutgers University in New Jersey. Even as a young student, I was determined to find ways to tackle the waste problem and reduce our reliance on landfills and....

23/08/2023

Episode 3 of our podcast is now live!

Meet Karim Nammour, Researcher, Lawyer, and the Host of Qanuni Break, and Stephani Moukhaiber, Host and Publisher of Al Rawiya, as they dive into the vital topic of LGBTQIA+ policies in Lebanon. In this episode, we explore:

The current status of the LGBTQIA+ community in Lebanon
The role of the judicial system in protecting q***r individuals
Real-life stories of court cases and arrests affecting LGBTQIA+ individuals
Government actions, silencing efforts, and incitement to violence against the q***r community
The future prospects of the LGBTQIA+ community in Lebanon

PS: This episode was recorded in March 2023, predating recent events. While the discussion remains accurate, it does not address developments from the past four months.

With the increasing incitement to hatred and violence against q***r community in Lebanon, we find it extremely important to share and raise awareness on the ...

21/08/2023

Teaser Alert! Episode 3 drops next Wednesday!

In an enlightening conversation, Karim Nammour, Researcher, Lawyer, and Podcast Host of Qanuni Break, addresses the pressing issue of LGBTQIA+ rights in Lebanon amid rising incitement to hatred and violence.

Join Karim and Stephani as they explore the current status, legal framework, the challenges, and uncover the realities of the policies faced by the q***r community

Watch the teaser of the episode and get a glimpse of the discussion

Stay tuned and make sure to subscribe to get notified when the episode is released. Follow us on:

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With the increasing incitement to hatred and violence against q***r community in Lebanon, we find it extremely important to share and raise awareness on the ...

15/08/2023

OMGYNO, a social enterprise that follows a holistic approach to facilitate the provision of menstrual, s*xual, and reproductive health to women, has been part of the movement to get rid of the stigma surrounding the female body and self.

Working in Lebanon, Greece, and Portugal, omgyno has collaborated with medical professionals to develop home test kits so that women can take care of their s*xual, menstrual, and reproductive health without community or economic limitations.

We got the chance to sit down with four members of their team who were able to tell us a bit more about themselves, omgyno, and what it’s currently doing in Lebanon to push against existing patriarchal norms and behaviors.

Note from the team: In the past few years, many activists, collectives, and organizations have risen to fight for access to s*xual and reproductive health services, previously considered as taboo topics in various parts of the world.

08/08/2023

Growing up in a society that lives and breathes religion through social situations and education instills a set of beliefs in a person that go unchallenged for a while. In this article, Karim Mitri delves into his childhood growing up in a Greek Orthodox town in northern Lebanon, and talks about the albeit difficult process of questioning, doubting, and rebuilding his own beliefs in his own way.

Author’s Note: This piece consists of the Prologue of my book entitled The Faith of an Unbeliever. This book is a spiritual and philosophical memoir about my phenomenological experience with Christianity amidst a vibrant religious milieu. As I explain in the piece, I grew up in a Christian family,...

07/08/2023

Open Call for Submissions: ⁠
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The clash between tradition and modernity has been an ongoing narrative in the Levant. A region proud of its ancient civilizations and historical legacies, the Levant holds onto a wide array of cultural, social, and even religious traditions. These traditions are deeply rooted in centuries- old customs, familial bonds, and cultural practices passed down through generations. ⁠
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With the turning of ages, the region finds itself at the crossroads of modernity. Rapid urbanization, technological advancements, and globalization have seeped into Levantine society, challenging age-old norms. ⁠
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This has created a push and pull between tradition and modernity, resulting in complex dynamics where some feel like the embrace of change is a necessity to progress, while others feel like the change is threatening the fabrics of society. In Issue 7, Al Rawiya intends to explore the fusion (or lack thereof) of tradition and modernity through different lenses. How does the struggle between both express itself in the politics of the Levant? How does it express itself in individuals’ freedom of expression? In what they believe in? In what they wear? In who they love? In how they incorporate or let go of the social conditioning that has been so strongly emphasized in society, school, and in the family? ⁠
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You can email us at [email protected] with a pitch and a sample of your work if available. Deadline is September 7 at midnight. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out via dm or email!

01/08/2023

Inspired by Spillage Village’s song, Hapi, Jaimee Haddad drew and wrote about what Freedom means to her. See her piece and read about her interpretation of freedom on a micro and macro level.

We can’t have a conversation about freedom without acknowledging those who came before us and fought against a myriad of oppressions we cannot fathom. The perseverance of the women in our lineage, the challenges they have faced; and yet we are still here.

28/07/2023

Al Rawiya the Podcast is officially live! Head to your favorite streaming platform and give us a listen! We would love to hear your comments and feedback.

Anxious in Beirut (2023) In the ever-present desire to capture, record, and understand Beirut, and by extension himself, Zakaria has been trying to give a coherent story to his city. It is through the intersectionality between the general and the personal, the public and private, the old and young, that we are able to answer: why are we anxious in Beirut?

Take a seat, kick back, enjoy the conversation and welcome to Al Rawiya the Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BMpH5L6zmc

Don't forget to like and subscribe to our channel for more juicy stories and chats

You can also listen to us on
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Mhe5Cg9v9PyLfcBAv8zW1
Deezer: https://www.deezer.com/us/show/1000132335
Amazon Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c6046384-23c1-4a95-8018-5c75e662150e
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/al-rawiya-podcast/id1696069378

26/07/2023

After decades of categorizing the female body as a taboo topic in the Middle East and North Africa, collectives, activists, organizations, and brands have started to break free from outdated thought and normalize the body that was once demonized. In this interview-style article, the team got the chance to sit down with Mauj to talk about their work in letting go of the social stigma surrounding the female body and female pleasure.

Note from the team: Ever since we were little girls, we were made to understand - both directly and indirectly- that our bodies were not necessarily ours. They were society’s to judge and control; a vessel determining our worth and our family’s reputation. The term female s*xual health was a for...

24/07/2023

Goals⁠
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Credit: Muhajid Jamal

21/07/2023

And so it begins! Welcome to Al Rawiya, The Podcast

Our first Podcast episode drops next week.
First on the roster is Zakaria Jaber, Director of Award winning documentary, Anxious in Beirut.

Anxious in Beirut (2023)

In the ever-present desire to capture, record, and understand Beirut, and by extension himself, Zakaria has been trying to give a coherent story to his city. It is through the intersectionality between the general and the personal, the public and private, the old and young, that we are able to answer: why are we anxious in Beirut?”

Subscribe to our channels (link in bio) to get alerts and reminders about our releases.

See you on Friday 28th of July at 6PM!

21/07/2023

In this article, Hussein Cheaito looks at the dynamics of the illicit q***r economy in Lebanon, focusing on the recent moral panics concerning the LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon, the effects of the socio-economic crisis on q***r individuals, and the challenges posed to the q***r community by neoliberalism and homocapitalism.

***r

Lebanon, a country marked by its complex social fabric and rich cultural diversity, has seen the interplay of neoliberalism, marketization, and q***r identities and bodies. Societal attitudes and legal frameworks, manifested through legal texts such as Article 534 of the Lebanese Penal Code, are oft...

18/07/2023

Freedom

Noun: the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.

Many of those who have lived in the Levant or within Levantine families have struggled with the concept of freedom on multiple levels. This struggle manifests as the little girl who has to understand that she is not allowed to do the same things her brother does. It manifests as the son living in Gaza who is not allowed to travel to the West Bank to see his ailing mother. It manifests as the growing individual who wants to break free from pre-imposed societal norms. It manifests as a journalist being silenced by the government for speaking the truth. And sometimes, it manifests as an entire nation taking to the streets and protesting to break free from the shackles of oppression.

In its 6th issue, Al Rawiya aims to look at what freedom - or the lack thereof- means across the different strata of society. How does freedom manifest itself through social movements, through s*xuality, through economic independence, through art or through clothing? What does liberation look like for women? For members of the LGBTQIA+ community? For people born and raised into a strict set of norms and traditions? For people with physical and mental disabilities? Is there such a thing as being “free” while existing in oppressive systems of governance?

The constant struggles for freedom begs the question - are we ever truly free?

Though the answer to the above question may seem grim at times, the articles in this issue explore freedom through individual, communitarian, and national lenses. Through story-telling, interviews, and thorough analyses, this issue re-emphasizes the multi-faceted concept of freedom.

ISSUE 6 | FREEDOM out now.

Link in bio

Photo credits:

17/07/2023

Let's embrace diversity & acceptance. Let's also be kind and gentle towards one another

Credits: Yasmine Kanso