AIC: Modern Narrative for Muslim Women in the Middle East

A Modern Narrative for Muslim Women in the Middle East: March 19-21st 2009 Conference

March 19 through 21, 2009, our research team, alongside prominent women representing our spheres of study, met in Cairo, Egypt to begin creating a modern narrative for women in the region. We started with updates on the current status of women in our target countries, followed by discussions on the most imperative changes to be made at the grassroots and policy-making levels. Finally, we had conversations on how to best create these imperative changes, with local, regional and international support.

“The Iraqi Penal Code of 1969 did not mention issues such as sexual harassment and it did not specify punishment for spousal rape or circumcision [FGM/FGC] or penalties for ‘honor’ killings. We have begun to press for these changes.” Safia Al Souhail, Member of Parliament, Iraq

“I noticed in my experience working with [Jordanian] elections that women do not elect women candidates because they think that a woman’s place isin the home . . . we have to begin by convincing the communities of women and then we can begin a competition between candidates.” Rana Husseini, Journalist and Author, Jordan

“During the past couple of years, women in Egypt have seen huge steps taken to adjust Family Law in a quest to make it more just. Some issues, such as the rights of divorced women . . . need to be aligned with the rights given to them by Islamic law and [these laws] are not yet practiced by men.” Shereen Allam, President, Association for Women’s Total Advancement and Development, Egypt

Left: “I would say that in order to achieve equality, women must be aware of their rights. We also need to educate men about their responsibilities towards women.” Huda Al Nassir, Chairwoman of Women's Committee, Al-Aujam Charitable Society, Saudi Arabia. Right: Lead Researcher, Jana El Horr, Facilitating large group discussion.

Sunset
Large group discussion

Silence
Small group work to create recommendations for strategic change

AIC Executive Director, Zainab Al Suwaij (right) and Lead Researcher, Dalia Ziada (left), facilitating discussion


	Spotlight Programs

		Capitol Hill Distinguished Speaker Series - Panels on Muslim affairs for Congress Project Nur - A "light" on campus promoting student leadership and activism Public Education - Guides on interfaith dialogue, hate speech response, and more HAMSA: Hands Across the Mideast Support Alliance - Aiding civil rights reformers Muslim Interfaith Council - Building bridges without baggage via open dialogue Pledge for Iraq - Empowering women civic leaders and civil society via grants and training