SIDON: As efforts to end the sit-in of Sheikh Ahmad Assir continue, two women protesters prepare to give birth. Assir, who has said the births will be a happy event, has instructed that a suitable environment be prepared for the two women, who have been participating in the sit-in since it began on June 28, to deliver.

A room, equipped with air conditioning that has been positioned near a bed where the women will deliver, has been located away from prying eyes.

Women in the sit-in have become active in recent days to organize everything necessary for the delivery.

Halima Barakat, who is expected to deliver any day now, observes preparations around her as she takes care of the clothes for the new baby, or carries the pink bed her baby will sleep in across the room. Assir instructed that equipment and toys for the occasion be bought from funds for the sit-in.

Overseeing the birthing operations is pharmacist Fatima Assir, who prevents anyone from entering the sterile room wearing shoes.

“Things are excellent,” Fatima told The Daily Star. “We have called a certified midwife and a physician specialized in obstetrics and gynecology, and have brought an ambulance equipped with all medical equipment in case of emergency.”

Fatima boasts of Barakat taking part in the protest despite being pregnant.

Speaking to The Daily Star, Barakat, said: “This is my first delivery, I married a short time ago. The ultrasound indicated that I will deliver the most beautiful girl, and I have picked a nice name for her, Aisha.

“Women taking part in the protest urged me to deliver the baby here in an expression of solidarity with the men and women who are taking part in the protest,” she said.

Fatima said another girl will be born over the weekend “and we will all be happy.”

A number of women are busy preparing traditional food served to celebrate newborns after iftar.