On the Margins of Women's Week

Woman has, in the absolute, the same rights as man; but among us today the question wears this face:

All the thinkers agree on the necessity of recognizing woman's rights, and some men of politics — ministers and deputies — say what the thinkers say; only, the majority opposes conceding women their rights. Their argument is that Lebanese society has not yet developed sufficiently to take this bold step: there are the traditions, and there is the rabble... So what is to be done? The sincere say: women must convince the holders of power of the soundness of the thinkers' opinion; then, if those in authority go forward, they will find there is no fear of a revolt rising against them, and the reins of the public that lags behind the caravan of civilization will prove pliant.

And the Minister of National Education says to the women: Advance, and surround the Chamber. It is a battle — either victory or loss. Attack, and do not be afraid. As for the blocs being petitioned, they say:

In extraordinary sessions, only bills submitted by the government may be considered.

The enthusiastic men answer them: And the ordinary session? Is it not at the doors? Why do you not assail the government until it brings in a bill amending the electoral law, now that the period stipulated by the constitution has run out?

And one of the jesters speaks — perhaps not knowing that the women have presented a petition to His Excellency the President asking for the amendment of the electoral law.

It is one of two things: either the committee knows in advance that the men of the present government are negative toward woman's rights — in which case the meetings and the broadcasts are of the token kind... Or, if they know that there is room for a gleam of light, then where are the delegations of women — all the women — the women's associations with all their members, the school directresses and the teachers and the nurses and the students of the two universities and the students of the teachers' college, and the students of the upper classes of the secondary schools, and the patriotic nuns demanding the rights of citizenship? Where are the peaceful, calm, silent demonstrations — where?? One of you said that the Lebanese woman does not like demonstrations in the streets. And who asks you to carry sticks and cudgels? Who calls on you to send up ugly, wanton cries in the streets?

And what difference is there between schoolgirls going out to plant trees on Arbor Day, carrying banners inscribed "Plant, and do not cut," and their surrounding the Chamber and the presidential palace in a peaceful demonstration, carrying banners inscribed:

We want justice for woman, and the granting to her of the right of citizenship?

Ladies, members of the executive committee: this is some of what people are saying about your "soft" demands for woman's rights — and they say it in a merry, witty spirit. I thought I would pass it on to you: he who reports unbelief is no unbeliever.