In an exclusive interview with Maya Nasruddin, a prominent Lebanese woman from the South and a key figure in the resistance, she discusses the vital role of women in the ongoing fight for liberation and justice in Lebanon. She sheds light on the challenges faced, the pivotal contribution of women, and the unwavering spirit of resistance in the face of injustice.
According to the analytical news website Jahanbanou, we had the honor of meeting with Ms. Maya Nasruddin, a resistance fighter from the South of Lebanon, specifically from the city of Nabatieh. In this conversation, she discusses the significant role of women in the resistance and their contributions to the cause, which has shaped Lebanon’s history and its struggle for freedom. The following is a detailed account of the interview, which we share with our readers.
*Could you introduce yourself and share your thoughts on the role of Lebanese women, particularly from the South, in the resistance movement?
Maya Nasruddin: Greetings, I am Maya Nasruddin, a Lebanese woman from the South, specifically from Nabatieh. The Lebanese woman, particularly those from the South, has played a crucial role by raising generations who are now leaders and fighters in the resistance movement. During the many wars in Palestine and Southern Lebanon, the role of women in the resistance should never be underestimated. Through encouraging their children, especially as they reached adolescence, they taught them to walk in the path of the Prophet and his family, instilling the spirit of defending their homeland and standing against oppression until their last breath.
The Power of Maternal Influence
The primary role of a mother is to educate her children, and this responsibility is deeply rooted in love for the homeland and religious duty. This education inspires the youth to fight fearlessly for their homeland. They’ve learned the importance of defending their land from an early age, which strengthens their resolve to resist and even yearn for martyrdom. The role of women in this is fundamental; as I said, it all begins with the education in the home and extends to joining the resistance.
*Given the imbalanced nature of the conflict, how do you perceive the role of women in such a war? What does history tell us about their contributions?
Maya Nasruddin: We cannot deny that this is an unequal war. The enemy has advanced technology, weapons, and support from powerful nations like the United States and Europe, as well as certain Arab states. But, despite the lack of balance, the faith and conviction that God is with the oppressed and not the oppressors empowers both men and women in the resistance to play significant roles. Even though the war is unequal, history shows that we have always triumphed because God supports the truth.
we stand firm. Our cause is the cause of truth, and the example of these women, their steadfastness and sacrifices, should serve as an inspiration for all. Even now, as the enemy’s power has increased, our faith has only grown stronger. We will never change. Our commitment to the resistance is unwavering, and we continue to educate our children to carry on this legacy.
Faith and Victory
Throughout history, women in the South of Lebanon have always stood firm. Many women, even when the Israeli soldiers entered the South in the 1980s, refused to leave their land. They remained and contributed to the resistance by preparing food, cleaning weapons, and supporting their husbands.
Some even fought with weapons or poured boiling oil on the heads of the Israeli soldiers. Despite the disparity in power, their courage never wavered. They were driven by faith in God and the righteousness of their cause.
In the face of inequality, we stand firm. Our cause is the cause of truth, and the example of these women, their steadfastness and sacrifices, should serve as an inspiration for all. Even now, as the enemy’s power has increased, our faith has only grown stronger. We will never change. Our commitment to the resistance is unwavering, and we continue to educate our children to carry on this legacy.
*Do you believe there is hope for support from international women’s rights groups for women involved in the resistance, especially those displaced or part of Hezbollah?
Real human rights!
Maya Nasruddin: There are two parts to this question. First, let me address the international human rights organizations. Before the war began in Lebanon, these organizations lost credibility. For instance, in the Gaza war, there was a scale of violence and destruction that was unparalleled, but the global human rights organizations, including the United Nations, failed to provide the necessary support. These organizations act selectively and politically, and when it comes to the resistance in Gaza or Lebanon, they do not stand by us. They are advocates for women’s rights, but not for the women of southern Lebanon or Gaza.
As for Lebanese organizations, many of them are helping despite political differences, and we are grateful for their support in providing aid to the displaced, including food, shelter, and medical care. However, when it comes to specific women’s rights groups, sadly, we have not heard their voices. They prioritize political stances over humanitarian needs, which is unfortunate.
In summary, the international and some Lebanese human rights organizations have not shown the necessary support. I would advise them to reconsider their stance and remove the name “human rights” if they cannot genuinely stand with the oppressed.
These organizations act selectively and politically, and when it comes to the resistance in Gaza or Lebanon, they do not stand by us. They are advocates for women’s rights, but not for the women of southern Lebanon or Gaza.
*How did Lebanese women from different communities and sects contribute to the resistance?
united nation
Maya Nasruddin: Lebanese women, regardless of their sect, played a vital role. Many of them opened their homes to support us, and we are grateful for this humanitarian act. Lebanon is a united nation, and in the face of oppression, it is important to remember that the land being occupied is Lebanese soil, and the people resisting are one. Even during times of sectarian tension, many Lebanese women did their best to help their brothers and sisters from all sects, providing whatever they could, even if it was just a blanket or a meal.
Unfortunately, there were a few who tried to take advantage of the situation, raising rent prices or even rejecting refugees, but these were the exceptions. The majority of Lebanese women have been supportive and have shown kindness in the face of adversity. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we appreciate their help.
*How do you evaluate the support from Muslim women worldwide, especially Iranian women, for the resistance?
Global Sisterhood
Maya Nasruddin: The support we received from Iranian women has been exceptional. Many Iranian women donated gold and other valuables to help the resistance. We also saw many non-military men volunteering to support the Lebanese cause, and their contributions were deeply appreciated. Iranian women showed incredible courage and solidarity with our struggle.
I must also mention the women of Iraq and Yemen who opened their homes and even sold their properties to help. Women from Syria were also part of this movement, helping the displaced.
Women worldwide, whether in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, or elsewhere, have shown the true face of solidarity and have supported the oppressed. We are deeply grateful for their generosity.
The support we received from Iranian women has been exceptional. Many Iranian women donated gold and other valuables to help the resistance. We also saw many non-military men volunteering to support the Lebanese cause, and their contributions were deeply appreciated. Iranian women showed incredible courage and solidarity with our struggle.
*Any final thoughts you would like to share?
Maya Nasruddin: I want to reassure everyone who feels discouraged that we are not weak. On the contrary, we are at the peak of our strength. As long as we follow the path laid out by the Prophet (PBUH), from the battle of Khaybar to today, we will never deviate from our principles. Our cause is the cause of truth, and we are stronger than ever. With God’s guidance, we will continue to resist and stand firm in the face of oppression. We will not surrender.
*Thank you for your time and your words. We continue to stand with the resistance and pray for the victory of the oppressed. May God bless you.