The Women of the Arab Spring

“The Women of the Arab Spring” will be the topic of a presentation by Ventura County resident Ferial Masry on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 from 7pm-8:30pm, at the Thousand Oaks Library, 1401 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks.

Among the most dramatic developments of the Arab Spring has been the key role of women in organizing and leading various movements. They have shattered traditional stereotypes and forged new identities in the process. We are pleased to begin our three-part series on “Understanding the Arab Spring” with a presentation on “The Women of the Arab Spring, “ by Ferial Masry.

Ms. Masry has visited the Middle East five times in the last two years, most recently in the summer of 2011. She was able to speak with government officials, women, university professors and students about the recent events and the role of women in them. Her presentation will be illustrated with dramatic photos highlighting the role that women are playing in this historic moment.

Born in Saudi Arabia and educated in Egypt, England, and the United States, Ms. Masry is the chair of the recently established American-Middle Eastern Women’s Leadership Coalition, whose goals include combating stereotypes and helping to empower women in the United States and the greater Middle East. A teacher of American Government and History at Cleveland High School in Los Angeles, she is also the author of the book, Running for All the Right Reasons. As a candidate for the 37th Assembly District of California, her campaigns drew national and international attention and she was featured as “Person of the Week” on ABC Nightly News.
A question and answer period will follow the presentation which is free and open to the public. Donations will be gratefully accepted to help us continue these programs.
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GLOBAL EXCHANGE Ventura County Supporters
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For further Information, contact: Ferial Masry 805-300-7226

Global Exchange Ventura County Supporters is a group of people - a community of conscience - dedicated to providing local monthly public forums, supporting and working with other local organizations committed to social and economic justice, human rights and ecological sustainability. Global Exchange, headquartered in San Francisco, is an international human rights organization dedicated to promoting environmental, political and social justice. Since our founding in 1988, we have increased the US public's global awareness while building partnerships worldwide.

Visit: www.globalexchange.com

GLOBAL EXCHANGE VENTURA COUNTY SUPPORTERS TO HOLD LECTURE SERIES ON “UNDERSTANDING THE ARAB SPRING”

The “Arab Spring” has once again brought the Middle East to the forefront of international attention. Global Exchange Ventura County Supporters is pleased to announce that we have arranged a series of three presentations this fall to examine
the events that continue to sweep the region.

Among the most dramatic developments has been the key role of women in organizing and leading the various rebellions. They have shattered traditional stereotypes and forged their own new identities in the process. Our series will therefore begin on Wednesday, September 28, with a presentation by Newbury Park resident Ferial Masry on “The Women of the Arab Spring.” Ms. Masry recently returned from the region where she was able to speak with women, university professors, students and government officials about the recent events and the evolving role of women. Ms. Masry is the chair of the recently established American-Middle Eastern Women’s Leadership Coalition whose goals include combating stereotypes and helping to empower women both in the United States and the greater Middle East. She is also the author of the book, “Running for all the Right Reasons.”

Our October program will feature Amir Hussain, Associate Professor in the Department of Theological Studies at Loyola Marymount University. He will speak on the role of Islam in the Arab Spring, including such topics as the Muslim Brotherhood. Dr. Hussain is Chair of the Board of Scholars of the Center for Global Understanding.

Completing our series in November will be Hamoud Salhi, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Cal State University Dominguez Hills. He will speak on the recent events in North Africa, including Tunisia, Libya and Egypt. Prof. Salhi, a frequent guest on KPFK radio, was recently featured in a documentary on prominent Algerian Americans titled “Success Stories from the U.S.,” which was produced by Algerian National Television and the U.S. State Department.

We are confident that you will find these programs informative and stimulating and they will help build better understanding of the unfolding events in the Middle East.

All programs will be held in the Thousand Oaks Library and will be free of charge. More specific information, including dates, will be sent separately for each event

Due to an increase in cost in holding our programs at the Thousand Oaks Library we have had to reduce our program schedule. However, we still plan to hold stimulating and exciting programs on international, national and local issues. We thank you for your past attendance and look forward to your continued support.