Mona Eltahawy
Mona Eltahawy: A Voice for Arab Women's Rights and Freedom
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Mona Eltahawy is an Egyptian-American writer, journalist, and activist known for her advocacy on women's rights in the Middle East.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born: December 30, 1967 (age 54)
Note: Mona Eltahawy is still alive as of this writing.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Egyptian-American
Profession: Writer, Journalist, Activist
Eltahawy has worked extensively in the fields of journalism, human rights, and women's advocacy. She has written for various publications, including The Washington Post, The Guardian, and Foreign Policy.
Early Life and Background
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Mona Eltahawy was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1967. Her family moved to Saudi Arabia when she was a child due to her father's work as an engineer. She spent much of her childhood in the kingdom, where she witnessed firsthand the strict social and cultural norms imposed on women.
Major Accomplishments
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Eltahawy has had a distinguished career spanning multiple fields:
Journalism: Mona Eltahawy began her journalism career in Egypt, working as a reporter for various newspapers. She eventually moved to the United States, where she became a freelance writer and contributor to prominent publications.
Activism: Her involvement with women's rights and social justice issues gained momentum after the Arab Spring protests in 2011. Eltahawy was arrested in Tahrir Square during the protests and suffered injuries that left her temporarily blind in one eye.
Advocacy: Mona Eltahawy has written extensively on women's rights, democracy, and human rights in the Middle East. Her work aims to raise awareness about the challenges faced by Arab women under patriarchal systems.Notable Works or Actions
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Some notable works and actions include:
"Headscarves and Hymens" (2015): Mona Eltahawy's book explores the oppression of women in the Middle East, shedding light on topics such as genital mutilation, forced marriage, and restrictions on freedom.
"Arab Spring and Arab Women" (2011): During the protests, Eltahawy was arrested for her involvement with a group of women demonstrating in Tahrir Square. Her arrest drew international attention to the struggles faced by Arab women under authoritarian regimes.Impact and Legacy
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Mona Eltahawy's work has had significant impact on the global conversation about women's rights and democracy in the Middle East:
Voice for Women's Rights: Mona Eltahawy is a prominent voice advocating for women's rights, particularly in regions where patriarchal norms dominate.
Challenging Oppression: Her writing challenges the oppressive systems that restrict women's freedom and agency.Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Mona Eltahawy's influence can be attributed to her unwavering commitment to raising awareness about human rights issues in the Middle East:
Authentic Voice: As a writer, journalist, and activist with a personal connection to the region, Mona Eltahawy brings an authentic perspective to discussions on women's rights and democracy.
* Courageous Advocacy: Her willingness to speak out against oppressive systems has made her a respected figure in the global human rights community.
Mona Eltahawy's life and work serve as a testament to the power of advocacy and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices.
Quotes by Mona Eltahawy
Mona Eltahawy's insights on:
I chose to wear the hijab at age 16, soon after my family moved from Britain to Saudi Arabia.
I wore the hijab - a form of dress that comprises a head scarf and usually also clothing that covers the whole body except for the face and hands - for nine years. Put more honestly, I wore the hijab for nine years and spent eight of them trying to take it off.
Across the globe, fundamentalists of all religions are on one side, and their attitudes towards women and towards female sexuality are almost identical.
Saudi Arabia isn't just a conservative country with different values we shouldn't judge. It is a modern Gilead.
I was 15 when my family moved to Jidda from Britain in 1982. Living in Saudi Arabia was such a shock to my system that I like to say I was traumatized into feminism.
I will never ally with Islamophobes and racists. But in the choice between 'community' and Muslim women, I will always choose my sisters.
Saudi authorities must launch a campaign about the safety of female pilgrims and the determination of the authorities to ensure every woman's safety.
We must make sure #MeToo breaks the race, class, gender, and faith lines that make it so hard for marginalized people to be heard.