Sophie Woeldgen reports: Small emotional arrangements

Every month, we feature a column by one of the personalities who take turns writing for Le Regard Libre. Freelance journalist Sophie Woeldgen shares her views as a reporter in the Middle East on an itchy subject.

It’s a common story in Lebanon—that of a young woman* who goes from one form of dependence to another: from her landlord to her husband. But Sandra, with a shy little smile playing at the corners of her lips and her eyes downcast, says she’s happy. Originally from Madagascar, she met a Lebanese man—a Muslim—who wants to marry her. In return, she must cover herself and can no longer go out as she pleases. These are conditions that her compatriots consider normal: he supports her financially and allows her to send money to her family back home.

Sandra's Wedding