Amal Mohammed
Beirut — In the heart of the social and cultural transformations sweeping across the Middle East, women’s voices are emerging to redefine the relationship between women and society—not from a place of complaint or victimhood, but from one of understanding, analysis, and action.

Among these voices are two members of the Academy of Genology in Lebanon and the Middle East, Alaa Farah and Joya Hachchida, who represent a new generation of women that do not merely name challenges but trace them back to their roots and seek intellectual and practical tools to dismantle them.

Alaa Farah, a member of the Genology Committee in Lebanon, said:
“I believe that the Science of Women provides us with tools for deeper understanding, sharper analysis, and fairer positions toward women, families, and society.”

She explained that her journey began in Lebanon, when a group of women gathered to establish a new association called Ariana. That meeting, she noted, became an opportunity to discuss various women-related issues, particularly through their shared interest in genology, which she described as a science that links women and society.

Farah participated in several training sessions organized by the committee, in addition to attending both online and in-person lectures and seminars, which allowed them to gain a deeper insight into this field.

This experience, she said, strengthened their desire to join the committee and work in supporting women, based on their belief that women understand women best—especially in the Middle East. She stressed the importance of highlighting women’s roles, not only in visible domains but also in hidden, yet vital, ones.

She emphasized that genology stands out because it doesn’t merely address surface-level or general issues—it delves into their roots.
“The Science of Women does not deal with issues superficially; it digs into the origins of problems, seeks their causes, and strives to find real solutions. From my perspective, the importance of this science—and our involvement in it—lies in its power to support women and shed light on their role in society.”

She added: “Through this work, we are not only serving women but society as a whole. Women’s empowerment begins with awareness and learning, which makes them more capable of understanding and confidently claiming their rights and responsibilities.”

Farah noted that, given the difficult circumstances in the Middle East—from Yemen to Sudan, from Syria to Palestine, and beyond—their work has become more profound and impactful.
“We have conducted deep research, met people, and listened to many women’s struggles, which enriched our awareness and inspired us to produce studies and articles that reflect women’s realities and amplify their voices. That, for us, is what truly matters.”

She believes that what makes genology unique among other sciences is its holistic approach: “It doesn’t view women’s issues in isolation but examines their place within the family, alongside men. This science doesn’t focus solely on women as individuals but explores the participatory relationship between women and men, and how to build a shared life based on cooperation and mutual support.”

Farah explained that genology also proposes realistic solutions and encourages men’s awareness of their role in supporting women—especially when women need to enter the workforce.
“Men should be allies, not obstacles. They must share household and childcare responsibilities. This science doesn’t separate women from men; it views the family as a unified structure and believes that a balanced relationship between both partners is key to a successful and resilient society.”

She also shared her personal research experience: “After joining the committee, I conducted a study on ‘Indian Self-Culture.’ At first, I questioned the relevance of studying a topic about India while living in the Middle East. But as I delved deeper, I discovered that the Indian tradition where a woman sacrifices herself after her husband’s death as a symbol of loyalty mirrors patterns in our own societies.”

“The rituals may differ, but there are similar traditions that assign women limited roles after divorce or widowhood. In our societies, divorced or widowed women are often looked down upon, deprived of work opportunities or independence—as if they’ve lost their social value. Through genology, I realized that our cultures share many such stories, and we must rethink the customs that restrict women and deny them freedom and dignity.”

From Genology to Women’s Empowerment and the Deconstruction of Patriarchal Mindsets

Joya Hachchida, a member of the Genology Committee for the Middle East, shared: “My journey began in childhood, when I started noticing something distinct about my way of thinking—my ability to understand myself and my surroundings. That awareness pushed me to explore the world of knowledge, particularly concerning women.”

“It’s not enough for a woman to speak about a cause; we must understand together what it means to be women—what it means for a woman to be abused, beaten daily by her husband. We must change this mindset from its roots, starting within the family.”

She added: “If we want to build families, we must begin with knowledge and fight ignorance. Ignorance doesn’t emerge from nowhere—it grows in families that were not raised on sound principles, that never taught us to value individuality. Associations must open their doors, bringing women together to confront what oppresses us: religion, patriarchy, masculinity, and society.”

Regarding the role of men and women, she said: “Yes, society is progressing, but there are still those who refuse to acknowledge women’s roles. For example, if a man takes his child to school, the first question asked is: ‘Where is the mother?’ Why? Why can’t a man have an active role in parenting? Or if a man hangs the laundry, why is he seen as submissive to his wife? This mindset must change.”

“From this perspective, I realized there’s an urgent need to transform even the smallest foundations. These are not just details—they are indicators of deeper maturity. Through genology, we’ll explore these topics further and look for practical solutions. We’ll start not only with adults but also in schools. We’ll raise children’s awareness—teach them about their bodies, their identities, and how to see the world with new, conscious eyes so that they can face society with confidence.”