Arab women are found at the center of political, religious and moral debates world-wide,but are far too often denied the rights for their voices to be heard and their experiences and needs to be situated at the center of analysis. While Arab women play a pivotal role in challenging injustice both in their homelands and in the diaspora, they are stereotypically assumed and portrayed to be passive bodies and stagnant in a world constructed and directed by hyper-masculine currents.
This conference is an important step toward changing and challenging the status-quo.
The conference will take place on March 12 at the San Mateo Public Library and will cover topics such as political activism, artistic expression, family relationships and mental health.
Registration is $25 for general admission and $15 for students. The deadline for registration is March 9, 2011.
In addition to the keynote address "A Daughters Struggle for Justice" by esteemed activists Lailia Al-Arian and Noor Elashi, there will be live musical performances, a photo exhibit, poetry by Elmaz Abinader and the presentation of a one-woman play by internationally known actress and writer Leila Buck.
Speakers and performers include:
Laila Al-Arian - A Palestinian-American journalist for Al Jazeera English, Laila has produced stories exploring all aspects of Arab-American relations, in addition to advocating for her father, Palestinian political prisoner Sami Al-Arian.
Noor Elashi - A Palestinian-American writer, Noor has also been the unofficial spokesperson for her family throughout the on-going persecution of her father, political prisoner Ghassan Elashi.
Dalia Marina - A Palestinian-American student, musician and organizer.
Elmaz Abinader - A Professor of English at Mills College and award-winning writer of poetry, plays and memoir, Elmaz has won a Goldies Award for Literature, a PEN/Josephine Miles Award for poetry and two Drammies (Oregon Drama Circle) for her performances.
Dr. Enas Dakwar - Palestinian-American psychologist specializing in trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder whose research focuses on the psychological impact of living in a war zone.
Ilham Aswad - A Sudanese-American student activist.
Leila Buck - An actress, writer and artist who has toured internationally with her award-winning solo show "ISite", Leila is active in public theater in New York, where she co-founded Nibras Arab-American Theater Collective.
Sally Al-Daher - An Palestinian-American doctor with focus on Public Health, Sally is the Executive Director of the Arab Cultural & Community Center and is also an independent contractor for California Family Health Council.
The ACCC is honored to host such an exceptional line-up of unconventional and diverse women who have committed their lives to challenging injustice and prejudice through a wide range of media and activism.
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