Meet the
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Q) What other activities are you involved in to improve
women's rights in the Middle East?
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A) I believe any new changes and reforms in society has to start with
education, and this education has to start from an early age. Thus, I believe
the work I have been doing goes in that direction. I am raising these
girls from three and five years old, they are learning the good ways
of life, and in the future they will be good and educated teachers and mothers.
They will bring to society a well informed and educated children. This is
part of what I do within the foundation, the other part is the cultural part;
is the coordination between Al-Sadr Foundation and other organizations, we
exchange ideas and experiences, we discuss the best possible ways in improving
our society in a positive way. Every year we organize a conference, its topics
varies but circles around Imam Al-Sadr philosophy and thinking. I participated
in many conferences on women's issues world wide. The participants of these
conferences are scholars and thinkers from all over the world, we learn very
much from such conferences. Whenever there is an event to improve women's
rights anywhere in the world, I am honored to have participated and
willing to participate. I would like to add something important
here, when it comes to women's rights, God has given us our rights clearly
in the Holy Qur'an, from an Islamic religious point of view
our rights are given and it does equal men's rights and in some instances
it is more......
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Q) Don't you think that there are some elements,
actually laws in certain societies that do not allow this wonderful translation
from the Holy Book?
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A) It is true, but this injustice toward women can
be corrected, and these rights can be obtained in a civilized debate. There
is no reason to make it appear as if there is a war between women
and men. Any respectable government must give its citizens regardless of
gender their rights. We can not build a happy family or a society if the
atmosphere of cooperations is broken between men and women. Also, such a
conflict will affect the children and eventually the collapse of the family
structure which is badly needed to build a civilized society.
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Q) You mentioned earlier the dialogue between Muslims
and Christians, Imam Moussa Al-Sadr really pioneered in last half of this
century, especially in Lebanon the dialogue between people of different faith.
Are you following in his foot steps?
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A) Off course, I practice this! I have excellent
relationships with a good number of our christians and muslim sisters. We
share ideas. We meet regularly, and we decide and implement the
necessary steps collectively to the betterment of our society.
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Q) Are you thinking of holding a public office?
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A) Actually, whenever there is a government
elections in Lebanon, my name pops up as a possible candidate. Personally,
I do not like politics and the political life style and restrictions. I am
satisfied with my work with the foundation. I am achieving what I can achieve
to help our society, and I truly believe many politicians can not achieve
in their life times what we have achieved in this foundation. I can participate
more in the Lebanese social life, no political restrictions, or consideration
for this party or that. I am free to do what is the best for my students.
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Q) You like to be free of any political considerations
and restrictions, you must love freedom?
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A) Off course, I very much love freedom. We were born free. And we have to
live with freedom. We are the one who can create our freedom. It is
impossible for others to give us freedom, or determine for us our roles
in society. Everything depends on us to prosper and live free in this life.
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Q) Tell us about the women's movement in Lebanon, and
has it reached its goals?
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A) In Lebanon there is the Lebanese Women Society,
and there are religious movements as well. Each of which has its philosophy
and methods of operations. I think there is progress, but there are
still many differences and things that will need to be worked out.
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Three |
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