Vivian Lee and Hwaida Saad’s article “For Lebanese Women, a Beach of One’s Own” reports on the new women-exclusive beaches in Lebanon. These beaches would allow women of the muslim faith to enjoy a day at the beach while still practicing their religion. This relates to Sustainable Development because these beaches achieve the goal of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.
Muslim women in middle eastern countries consider it forbidden to expose skin in front of men who are not their husbands. The ladies beaches, such as Bellvue Beach, allow them to do this. These beaches began offering ladies only days in the mid 1990s. No men or cameras are allowed. Although other middle eastern countries offer these types of opportunities, the article recognizes that Lebanon is one of the more liberal middle eastern countries.
Overall, the women interviewed in the article seem to enjoy the freedoms given to them by these beaches. This is significant because although it is a small act, this opportunity is one step closer to achieving the Sustainable development goal of gender equality.
Yee, Vivian, and Saad, Hwaida.”For Lebanese Women, a Beach of One’s Own.” The New York Times, 10 Sept. 2018, https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/10/world/middleeast/lebanon-women-beach.html?