http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=123246&d=5&m=6&y=2009
Friday 5 June 2009 (11 Jumada al-Thani 1430)
Women delighted at Obama's address
Siraj Wahab | Arab News
ALKHOBAR: For women across the Muslim world, US President Barack Obama's
historic address from Cairo was nothing short of a blessing.
He acknowledged his respect for their personal choices and at the same
time underscored his belief that their choices should be personal.
"God bless him," said Asya Al-Ashaikh, founder and CEO of the
Jeddah-based Tamkeen Development and Management Consulting. "He is a courageous
man. It was a fascinating speech. He said all the right things. I am sure he
will be able to translate all that he has spoken in Cairo into real action. His
words will open a new chapter in our relationship with the US. He touched
almost all the issues that concern us. What struck a chord within me was his
focus on education and the empowering of women through education. 'Our
daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.' I will always
remember that line forever. It is so true."
Obama divided his speech into seven sections, mostly political.
However, the sixth issue focused entirely on women's rights.
"I know there is debate about this issue," Obama said. "I reject the view
of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less
equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied
equality. And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well-educated
are far more likely to be prosperous."
He echoed that long-respected American principle of self-determination.
"I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order
to be equal, and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in
traditional roles, but it should be their choice," Obama said.
"I was impressed by his talk. His selection of Cairo University to
deliver his all-important address carried a very important message. This
university is a symbol of Arab history and culture, of our education and
civilization and of modernity. It is a very important institution," said Hatoon
Al-Fassi, a Riyadh-based Saudi writer and historian.
"His statement that the United States will partner with any
Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls and to help
young women pursue employment through micro-financing is highly significant. It
is a proposal that should be immediately grasped for the general good of the
civilized world," said Al-Fassi.
"Obama's overtures to the Muslim world may still come with bogies
attached, but his unequivocal support toward empowerment of Muslim women is a
welcome sign indeed," said Amna Khaishgi, a Dubai-based Pakistani broadcast
journalist.
"Be it the West, Middle East or Asia, the role of women acquires the most
critical dimension, and any progress will be incomplete without the
participation of almost half the population on the planet. Women have always
played and will continue to play a great role in the Muslim world but making it
further participatory will surely be more than welcome."
One Jeddah mother of four said although she was impressed by Obama's
speech she was unsure if his words would translate into policy decisions. "He
is a genuine man but that doesn't mean he will have an easy ride having his way
in the United States," said Aisha Al-Fassi.
"He is the president, yes, but there are other levers of power in the
United States that are equally if not more important. Also, it remains to be
seen how the American media will react. The pro-Israeli media in the US have
exacerbated many of the problems. They have been feeding the American public
with a steady anti-Arab and anti-Muslim diet. However, I have no doubt about
the good intentions of Obama. I hope he succeeds in what he believes," she said.
"His speech was excellent. It was comprehensive and balanced," said Maha
Akeel, managing editor of The Journal (issued by the Organization of the
Islamic Conference). "Some might criticize that he repeated the usual stands of
the US in support of Israel and the same rhetoric about peace and Islam and
that we should wait for action instead of being happy with mere words."
Some pundits cautioned Obama might be seen as lecturing the Muslim world,
but he made it clear that the issue of women's rights is a global one that many
nations - including the US - need to address. Some women expressed hope that
his words might advance that conversation in the Middle East.
"Obama's speech to the Muslim world was one of hope and prospect. His
address about women in the Muslim world was on the one hand one of respect
toward religious and traditional differences and on the other hand one of
encouragement to women," said Sharia Abdullah Walker, a Jeddah-based Saudi
student of international relations.
"It is time that women take their rightful role in their society, which
is in demand for educated and professional women who can contribute to the
growth and development of the society and humanity."
"Obama's views on women's education are more than welcome. Certainly, it
is one of the fundamental building blocks of growth and development," said
Sadia Khan, a student of Islamic studies at Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi.
"It is indeed high time that the traditional and orthodox elements in the
Muslim society assessed this very critical issue," she said.
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