Open Discussions
in association with
Gulf Cultural Club
invites you to a Discussion titled:
At the Frontline
Religious women challenge those who question divinity
Speakers
*Latifa Abouchakra (School teacher, trade unionist)
**Sister Catherine Jones smsm(Roman Catholic Sister)
*** Jenan Al Oraibi (Teacher, human resource specialist)
It is inaccurate to assume that the consequences of Islamophobia are confined within the realm of Islam. The religious phenomenon is the main target of those seeking to undermine divinity, the role of religion in life or the notion of Kingdom of God on earth. Because of the distinctive dress of Muslim women they have become target for Islamophobes who sometimes become violent. What role for Muslim women in Western societies? Who will defend the girls in hijab on campuses, the tube or shopping centres? The Islamic history contains stories of women activism; how relevant is that to contemporary discourse? Among the notable women is Zainab, daughter of Ali who presented a distinctive leadership model at times of crisis. Can this be emulated by those seeking to challenge Islamophobia and stereotyping?
6.30pm, Monday, 22nd October 2018
Venue: Abrar House, 45 Crawford Place, W1H 4LP
*Latifa Abouchakra is a Palestinian refugee who came to the UK during her primary school years. She resides in London, where she has completed her BA Law at Kingston University and went on to complete her PGCE at UCL. She is now a full-time mum, a secondary Citizenship + PSHE teacher and a Trade Union Representative. She has used her platform in the Nation Education Union to stand up against racist policies in the UK; most notably within education against the hijab ban attempted via Ofsted and Prevent.
** Catherine Jones is a Roman Catholic Sister, belonging to the Missionary Sisters of the Society of Mary. She is from New Zealand, with a life-long involvement in Muslim-Christian relations, in Fiji, New Zealand, Algeria, Mauritania and France, as well as in London. Catherine is serving at Notre Dame de France church. Her main ministry is at Notre Dame Refugee Centre which is open to people of all faiths.
*** Jenan Abdulla Al Oraibi is a trainer, human resource specialist and social activist. She holds a BA in English Literature and MA in Human Resource Management. Her university thesis was on “Bahraini women’s expectations of education”. Jenan was responsible for recruiting, training, wages, benefits and setting producers and policies. She believes that strategic human resource practices are the fundamental source of organizations’ productivity.
Admission is Free. Please register for catering purposes – email: d05sa@yahoo.co.uk or text 07795 660 438
