From Adversity to Empowerment: Women's Voices in the Middle East
From translating in their cars to running underground schools in Afghanistan, the women of IBB are paving the way toward a brighter future for women and girls in the Middle East.
In the dynamic landscape of the Middle East, where societal norms and cultural traditions have long shaped the roles and expectations of women, a new narrative of empowerment is emerging. Against the backdrop of historical challenges and entrenched stereotypes, a remarkable movement is underway, driven by the voices of resilience, courage, and intellect. International Women's Day is a chance to celebrate the trailblazing women of Ideas Beyond Borders who are reshaping the region's narratives so the next generation can experience a brighter future—one we are helping them work towards.
In a region where access to education and opportunities for women has often been limited, these women serve as striking examples of what is possible. Through their tireless efforts, they are breaking down barriers, challenging the status quo, advancing knowledge, and fostering dialogue about often forbidden subjects. From scholars and activists to artists and entrepreneurs, their diverse perspectives and unwavering determination are driving a new era of empowerment and equality. Our amazing team of translators has worked around the clock to bring powerful and essential texts promoting classical liberalism and Enlightenment values to regions in MENA where people are thirsty for knowledge and change.
As we celebrate International Women's Day, let us honor their resilience, celebrate their successes, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting women's empowerment across the Middle East and beyond.
When the devastating earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, Razan Hamida and her brother fled their collapsing building, spending a terrifying night in the rain on a broken bench. Despite the fear and uncertainty, Razan's thoughts were consumed by her most precious possession: her laptop. She braved the dangers of the aftershocks to return home and rescue it—her work as a translator for IBB was at the top of her mind, even in the aftermath of such a terrifying disaster. She continued her translation work from her car until she was able to return home. Razan’s determination to continue her work exemplifies her strength and commitment to spreading ideas, even in the face of adversity.
“For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to contribute to making content available in Arabic, especially the controversial content… What we are doing to quench the free minds’ thirst for critical thinking and justice is much needed in the MENA region to allow and facilitate social, economic, and political changes.” - Razan Hamida
Sana, a journalist from Bamiyan Province in Afghanistan, remembers well the ease of travel and reporting before the Taliban takeover. Under Taliban rule, oppressive restrictions on movement and severe consequences for independent reporting, particularly for women, continue to increase. Despite the risks, female journalists like Sana, Hoor, and Tamana continue their work, uncovering stories of abuse and oppression under the Taliban regime. IBB provides journalists like Sana crucial support, enabling them to shed light on atrocities and give voice to the silenced. Amidst the fear and despair, these journalists persist, driven by the hope that their work will someday make a difference in exposing the truth and advocating for change.
“If we don’t take this risk, nobody will know what’s going on… While we can’t save the people in these stories, we can help shape society and save women in the future.” - Hoor Sabah
Mosul witnessed a groundbreaking shift when female-driven taxis became a common sight, revolutionizing transportation for women in Iraq's second city. Spearheaded by Hesham and his women-only taxi service, Lygo, these female drivers provide a vital service, bridging the gap in transport options for women who were previously confined by societal restrictions. With Mosul's reconstruction progressing and optimism returning, Lygo represents vital progress in the city's journey toward gender equality. Despite facing resistance from male taxi drivers, Lygo continues to thrive. As Mosul evolves, so too does Lygo's vision, with plans to expand the fleet and cater to a broader clientele, ultimately contributing to the empowerment and freedom of movement for women in the region.
“At the moment, demand is much greater than supply. We get tons of calls… Optimism is everywhere.” - Hesham
Layla, a 17-year-old student, finds herself grappling with the abrupt halt to her education following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. With schools closed to girls beyond the primary level and promises of reinstatement unfulfilled, Layla's aspirations for a brighter future are dimmed by the Taliban's oppressive regime. However, refusing to succumb to despair, Layla's teacher, Salma, took matters into her own hands by establishing an underground school for women in Kabul. Despite the constant threat of Taliban reprisal, Salma perseveres, conducting clandestine mathematics classes twice daily at an undisclosed location. As Layla and her peers continue to attend these secret classes, they defy the Taliban's attempts to extinguish their dreams, clinging to the hope of a future where education is a fundamental right for all Afghan women.
“It’s very different to a normal school day, but at least the purpose is the same, which is educating the girls at any cost, regardless of the challenges we face.” - Salma
The resilience and determination of Afghan women like Gul Nifa Ahmadzai shine through amidst the challenges imposed by the Taliban's restrictions on education and employment. Translating with IBB has become Ahmadzai's lifeline, providing income and stability in a time of uncertainty. As the sole provider for her family, Ahmadzai's work as a translator has not only sustained them financially but has also empowered other talented women in similar situations. Through the House of Wisdom 2.0, Ahmadzai and her team have made critical knowledge accessible in Afghanistan's most widely spoken languages, despite the risks. Ahmadzai's aspirations extend beyond personal success; she envisions a future where her contributions in translation serve her country's development and elevate the Pashto language globally, echoing the unbowed spirit of Afghan women.
“I want to use my education to serve my country, and I want this project to be extended, to create more job opportunities for us and keep us busy, and to serve the Pashto language so that it joins the list of important internet languages and benefits Afghanistan.” - Gul Nifa Ahmadzai
Suad El Gohary stands as a symbol of strength in Baghdad as she leads a cycling group that barrels through cultural norms and provides space for female cyclists in Iraq. Despite facing opposition and harassment for riding her bike, El Gohary's determination to empower women through cycling has gained momentum, with more Iraqi women embracing the opportunity to ride. As a journalist, El Gohary's platform has helped garner support for the Palm Watan cycling team, which aims to expand its reach across the country. With support from an Ideas Beyond Borders Innovation Hub grant, El Gohary plans to extend their activities to Mosul and foster gender equality by training children, both boys and girls, to ride bikes together, envisioning a future where cycling is normalized and embraced by all in Iraq.
“We’re trying to create a connection between these young boys and girls so that when they grow up, males will look at them more as equals because they trained together as kids. Things are starting to change. I can’t let the momentum die down.” - Suad El Gohary
Founded by Rasha Abdul-Hussein Shukr and Nahida Ali Tawbe, Atelier Hartouka is a social enterprise offering a lifeline to women in Beirut. Established in 2018, it has grown to employ 45 women, many from refugee camps and low-income neighborhoods, who create handmade clothing and accessories. The enterprise aims to provide meaningful employment opportunities for women in Lebanon, particularly in the face of economic challenges and crises like currency devaluation, inflation, and the aftermath of the Beirut port explosion. Despite recent setbacks, including a decline in sales due to regional conflicts, Atelier Hartouka remains committed to its mission of empowering women through sustainable economic initiatives.
“Of course, we will stay till the end. We have the ladies to think of, and despite everything, we believe in Lebanon.” - Rasha Abdul-Hussein Shukr and Nahida Ali Tawbe
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