Session page: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2018/events/PP77272
Manal Al-Sharif
Leyla Hussein, Dahlia Project
Maria Toorpakai Wazir, Maria Toorpakai Foundation
Thor Halvorssen, Human Rights Foundation
Manal Al-Sharif – arrested for driving a car in Saudi Arabia
Leyla Hussein – Fights against Female Genital Mutilation
(FGM)
Maria – Played Squash in Afghanistan, promotes female
participation in sport
Maria had always broken rules, and was never taught to fear. Living in Afghanistan, she burned her dresses
and cut her hair short when she was seven years old, and her family supported her. Sports introduced her to the west.
Manal was able to use her abilities as a computer scientist to
set up online meetings and to help be safe online and prevent prosecution.
Thor: Each of you are accidental activists, correct?
Leyla: My job stands in contradiction to my activism; as a
psychotherapist, I need to mostly be listening.
As an activist, I need to mostly act.
But what I bring as a psychotherapist is the ability to not just say “this
is wrong” but rather to give facts and let the other side make their own
conclusion; to avoid the curtain of objections coming down. FGM will end not by workshops against it but
instead by teaching about the body.
Maria: We need to communicate across communities to get
people closer, and sport is a good way to do that.
Manal: Very hopeful for woman’s rights in Saudi Arabia. High levels of woman education, large youth
population, young leadership. The
concept of female guardianship – woman must have male guardian to do anything –
campaigning to change the consciousness in society and leadership.
Thor: What drives you?
Leyla: Main driver for me was the birth of my daughter. I did not want what happened to me to happen
to her. Outrage drives me.
Maria: It’s just part of who I am.
Manal: We should not be labeling people as one way or
another, that brings up wall.
Leyla: Best to stay away from politics.
Manal: The main issue for me is to change guardianship
system, which to me is the root of all evil.
Things are beginning to change slowly.
Thor: Focus on a narrow issue; narrow issues allow a wide
coalition; wide issues narrow the coalition.
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