Advocates, Academics Chronicle Peacebuilding Efforts at SIS Event
The fourth installment of the “Engaged Conversations” series featured, from left: Kelly Pemberton, Diya Agha, Salma Elkadi Abugideiri, and Alma Jadallah. (Photo: Jeff Watts)
In ways big and small, Muslim women are drawing from their faith and working toward peace in their communities and around the world.
On Sept. 30, four scholars and practitioners discussed these “transformative actions” during the fourth installment of “Engaged Conversations,” an Islam lecture series sponsored by the School of International Service (SIS).
Salma Elkadi Abugideiri, codirector of the Peaceful Families Project, discussed her work with Muslim victims of domestic violence, and the ways in which she tries to help them find peace.
According to Abugideiri, about 10 to 50 percent of Muslim women in the United States have experienced or witnessed domestic violence, compared to about 25 percent of women, nationwide. And while cultural nuances often make it difficult to reach Muslim women who are being abused, Abugideiri encouraged the audience to ask questions, offer a helping hand, and open a dialogue. Read the rest of this entry »