FEMALE is thrilled to announce the opening of its new safe space and center in Chouf, Mount Lebanon. This milestone marks not just the expansion of our physical presence but a deepened commitment to fighting patriarchy and creating a safe haven for women, girls, and marginalized groups across Lebanon.
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Rising from Loss: Why This Space Matters
Our journey has not been easy. We recently faced devastating setbacks with the loss of two of our vital centers:
- Nabatieh (South Lebanon):Â Our office was directly targeted, bombed, and completely destroyed.
- Beqaa:Â Our beloved center here was damaged by blasts and remains at constant risk of further destruction.
These were not just buildings; they were homes for feminist thought, youth engagement, and communal healing. Feminist libraries filled their shelves, young people gathered to study, and activists met to share ideas in regions often resistant — even hostile — to feminist work. Losing these spaces was a blow, but it was not the end.
Why Chouf? Why Now?
In the face of adversity, we made a powerful decision: to rise again. The opening of the Chouf center is an intentional move to expand our work and cover all of Lebanon. It’s about more than geography, it’s about ensuring that no matter where crises strike, there are safe spaces ready to shelter, empower, and protect.
Chouf, with its rich history and symbolic weight, is the perfect place for this new chapter. It allows us to create a haven where feminist energy can thrive, where women and girls can seek refuge, and where community members can prepare for emergency responses when needed.
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A Network of Resistance and Hope
In a country grappling with political, economic, and social challenges, spaces like these are radical acts of resistance. They stand as a direct challenge to patriarchy, offering not just physical safety but emotional and intellectual empowerment. These centers nurture movements, foster solidarity, and remind every visitor: you are not alone, and change is possible.
Join Us
We invite our community, partners, and allies to celebrate this opening with us, but also to stand beside us as we continue our work. Together, we can ensure that no matter how many buildings we lose, the feminist spirit in Lebanon remains unbreakable.
Stay tuned for more updates on our events, workshops, and ways you can get involved. Let’s build a Lebanon where safe spaces are not the exception but the norm.
Location:Â Ain W Zein, Al Chouf, Main Road, Bilal Al Hassanieh Building, Second Floor
Phone Number:Â +961 71 209 405
We can’t wait to welcome you.
