Mahnaz Afkhami

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Revolution and Women’s Rights in the Arab World

Friday, November 4, 2011

Women in Tunisia, Egypt and Lybia are facing a dangerous moment, says Mahnaz Afkhami. Those who have networks, resources, and a clear, concise and appealing public message are the conservative and conservative-religious forces. It is a moment of urgency for women to be able to catch up in time while the fundamental structures underlying these countries' democratic development are being put in place. Unfortunately, women are not present in these consults: they have not been included in these consults in most places.

Arab Spring

In the New Tunisia, Women’s Rights Are in Play

Friday, November 4, 2011

Mahnaz Afkhami knows how tenuous women's rights can be and how fragile gains in status too often are. "Women's rights and democracy activists are seriously concerned that the [Ennahda] party will act differently once in power." She saw a generation of advances rolled back in a short time in Iran, and testified this week about the role and potential of women in the Arab spring before a Senate Foreign Affairs subcommittee on democracy, human rights and women's issues. "Egypt and Tunisia are prime examples of countries where progress towards women's equality may be undone without America's firm and increased commitment," Afkhami told the senators.

Arab Spring, Human Rights

Mahnaz Afkhami Testifies at U.S. Senate Hearing “Women and the Arab Spring”

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

"The grim truth is that women who are struggling to advance human rights and create secular, pluralistic, democratic societies, face grave challenges rooted in tradition and history. Traditional social and cultural norms have relegated Middle Eastern women and girls to a private space, and they often lack the social, economic, and political power they need to overcome antagonistic groups and regressive policy," Afkhami stated as a witness testifying at the hearing before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on International Operation and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy, and Global Women’s Issues and Subcommittee on Near Eastern and South Central Asia Affairs spotlighting Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.

Arab Spring, Iran, Muslim Women, Senate

POMED Wire: Women and Democratic Transition in the Middle East

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Mahnaz Afkhami noted that women have largely been left out of the post-demonstration process despite playing a large role in the protests. She drew on lessons garnered from the Iranian Revolution in 1979 by noting that rhetoric of new leaders can quickly change, and that Arab societies must be prepared for such actions.

Arab Spring, Democracy, Human Rights

One Year After Neda, 9500 Liberty, True Colors

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

New America Media / By Sandip Roy / Listen A year after the controversial elections in Iran, what is the status of the opposition movement? Mahnaz Afkahmi speaks of the women who were at the forefront of protests, and of the regime's attempt to behead the democratic movement. Indeed almost all activists from the June 2009 protests have been imprisoned, harassed, or tortured. Those who were released from prison and allowed to travel were then often tried in absentia and heavily sentenced, effectively condemning them to exile.

Iran, Iran Women's Movement

Leading to Action:

Saturday, April 10, 2010

A Political Participation Handbook for Women 2010 / Women's Learning Partnership / Bethesda, MD Mahnaz Afkhami & Ann Eisenberg In consultation with: Lina Abou Habib, Asma Khader, Sindi Medar-Gould, and Jacqueline Pitanguy Women’s participation is a critical step towards reshaping economic, political, and social conditions to allow for equality in opportunities and results for both women and men. The Leading to Action handbook was designed empower women to become democratic and participatory leaders. Whether the goal is to be elected to office, support a campaign, encourage women to vote, or secure better legislation for the community, this handbook helps women hone their skills to take the next political step. Scenarios are based on criteria set by WLP partners and give real life examples of successes and challenges women face in the political sphere. The appendices include a glossary of terms, extra sessions, and relevant United Nations conventions that support women’s civil and political rights.

Political Participation

Internet and democratic change – Net activism, empowerment and emancipation – Sida conference

Wed, Oct 12, 2011

“New media” has overtaken the international pages of daily newspapers. Twitter is now a portal not only to the latest from publications in Iran, Afghanistan, Palestine, Libya, and Brazil – it is the opening to the latest from NGOs, activists, financial institutions, and other actors. Rather than waiting for hours for a US publication to [...]

Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit

Wed, Oct 5, 2011

Mahnaz Afkhami spoke on Revolutionary Game-Changers: The Middle East at the Fortune Summit. The Summit is the world’s premiere gathering of women leaders in business, government, academia, philanthropy, and the arts. Each fall, a select group comes together to exchange big ideas and learn. The program — no speeches! — is diverse and designed to [...]

Arab Awakening Offers Women Opportunities, Challenges

Wed, Sep 21, 2011

allAfrica.com

Mahnaz Afkhami stressed the importance of distinguishing the “revolutionary moment” from the slow process of building a democracy.

The founder and president of Women’s Learning Partnership, which sponsored the event, recalled the promises made to women in the Iranian revolution of 1979.

“Khomeini said women were free in everything, including clothing,” she said. Following the revolution, those supporting women’s rights were declared enemies of Islam. “Beware of people who want to put off addressing the situation of women,” Afkhami warned women in countries transitioning to democracy.