November 16 2007

Migrantas: eine visuelle Sprache der Migration

Migration ist nicht eigentlich einfach: das Bewusstsein einer vielseitigen kulturellen Identität, das Gefühl der Zerrissenheit zwischen der alten und der neuen Heimat, die Sorge um die Zukunft der Kinder sind zum Beispiel Fragen, die Migrantinnen der unterschiedlichsten Hintergründe betreffen.
Es gibt viele Schwierigkeiten, die Migrantinnen erfahren, ohne die Möglichkeit zu haben, ihre Gefühle zu äußern.
Migrantas aber gibt ihnen diese Möglichkeit. Seine Projekte konzentrieren auf Themen wie Migration, Identität und interkultureller Dialog.
Migrantinnen werden dazu eingeladen, in Workshops gemeinsam ihre Emotionen und persönlichen Erfahrungen grafisch durch Zeichnungen auszudrücken. Außerdem, werben die Teilnehmerinnen in ihren Zeichnungen für mehr Toleranz.
Aus den entstehenden Zeichnungen wird danach von Migrantas eine Serie von Piktogrammen entworfen, die als die visuelle Sprache der globalisierten Welt bedienen.

Dann gibt es Ausstellungen und Veranstaltungen, die im Rahmen der Migrantas-Projekte stattfinden, und einen Erfahrungsaustausch zwischen den Teilnehmerinnen der verschiedenen Workshops und eine gemeinsame Auswertung ermöglichen. Den Besuchern der Ausstellung wird die Gelegenheit geboten, sich den Erfahrungen und Empfindungen von Migrantinnen zu nähern, sowie durch ihr eigene Zeichnungen ihre Ideen zum Thema auszudrücken. Hamburger Ausstellung “Bundesmigrantinnen”, ist ein Beispiel dazu! Schließlich werden die Piktogramme veröffentlicht! Sie erscheinen auf Werbeplakaten, als digitale Animationen im U-Bahn-Fernsehen, auf Flyern oder auf Tragetaschen.

Mehr Information zu den Projekten und Ausstellungen findet man hier.

ENGLISH

Category: Media, International, Posts in German, Women | Comments Off on Migrantas: eine visuelle Sprache der Migration
March 20 2007

The Ugly Concept Of Beauty

I’ve always believed that beauty has no rules, limits, or standards. Beauty, I strongly believe, is a matter of taste. There is no such things as “beauty idols”, or “steps to beauty”, or anything of the kind.

Whoever may look beautiful in the eyes of someone, might look normal, or even ugly in the eyes of someone else. That’s because -no matter how hard people try to say otherwise- beauty is not limited to the outside looks only but consists also of many factors that include the character as well as the behavior.

So,I like to always insist that beauty is an inside out thing, limited by nothing other than our own taste. That’s why I find this constant striving to perfection of looks simply ridiculous. And women -even little girls- are becoming obsessed with this ridiculous striving, and many are willing to do anything just to attract others and be called “beautiful”.

I believe that, in order to be truly beautiful, a woman needs to:
– be herself.
– avoid being a slave to fashion trends.
– be really confident.
– be proud of her looks, as well as her age.
– be as natural and simple as possible.

But unfortunately, with the help of media, our concept of beauty is evolving in the ugliest way ever. People are being subject to brainwashing on daily basis; beauty lost its natural precious values and is being transformed into an artificial product.
Women imitate this product, they look for magical touches to hide whatever they wish to hide, willing to pay fortunes and work their heads off just to maintain whatever that artificial product possesses.
Women have become unbelievably afraid of aging, they lie about their age, they are ashamed of who they really are, they prefer the masks they could buy to hide their true looks and their real age!
What a shame!
I believe many women need a wakeup call, to get back to their senses and show them the real meaning of beauty… that’s why I simply LOVE Dove’s campaign for real beauty.(Arabic…)
I hope women will finally realize that age, skin color, body shape, do not define beauty unless we want them to, so please, don’t let stuff like that hold you back or scare you or limit your potential to be a really beautiful being in your life.

Category: Media, International, Women | Comments Off on The Ugly Concept Of Beauty
November 27 2006

Lesson of The Day:

“Tolerance means accepting differences, not forcing a uniform” _ a Muslim reporter defending the right of Muslim women to wear Hijab in non-Muslim countries.

Category: Religion, Women | Comments Off on Lesson of The Day:
June 3 2006

خارج الجسد’: ولادة الحياة برغم كل شيء’

خارج الجسد
أوّل ما شدّني لهذه الرواية كان اسم الكاتبة: عفاف البطاينة. لم أكن قد سمعت باسم هذه الكاتبة الأردنية سابقا. قرأت خلاصة القصة على الغلاف وقرّرت شراءها. لفت انتباهي أنّ الرواية غير متوفّرة في أي ركن أردني مشارك في معرض الكتاب وأنّها لاتباع إلاّ في هذا الركن اللبناني، وعندما دقّقت النظر لاحظت أنّ دارالنشر التي تولّت طبعها Ùˆ توزيعها هي أيضا لبنانية Ùˆ ليست أردنية. ولكن بعد لحظات جاءني البائع وأوضح لي أنّ هذه الرواية منع نشرها في الأردن…بعد قراءتي للرواية فهمت ما قد يكون تسبب في منعها. فالكاتبة ناقشت أكثر المواضيع حساسية بالنسبة للعرب بشكل عام في قصة أبطالها من المجتمع الأردني، ممّا قد اعتبر على الأرجح فضحا لهدا المجتمع.
فقد انتقدت البطاينة المجتمع الذكوري الذي لا يرحم المرأة، وكتبت عن جرائم الشرف، وحقوق الإنسان و المرأة، والفهم الخاطيء للدّين، والفقر، والجهل، اليأس والأمل، الزواج، العنف، الظلم، التفكك الأسري،، الخيانة والغدر، الهجرة واختلاف الحضارات؛ حتّى الشعوذة والخزعبلات تطرّقت إليها.
وأخيرا وليس آخرا: الحرية وحقّ الاختيار. هذا عدا عن اللغة الجريئة في الحوار وسرد التفاصيل فيما يخص العلاقات الزوجية والحميمة.
ليس من المعروف إن كانت هذه الرواية تجسيدا لسيرة الكاتبة الذاتية أو أنها مستوحاة من واقع المجتمع الذي عاشت فيه، ولكن بغض النظر عن مصدر هذه القصة، فهي بحق تعبر عن أغلب المجتمعات العربية. فللأسف الشديد تعتبر مجتمعاتنا مريضة حتى الآن من ناحية فهمها للدين و تعريفها للشرف و اعترافها بالخطأ.أسلوب الكاتبة متمكن،اللغة قوية مؤثرة، الجرأة واضحة، المفردات منتقاة، وأسلوب السرد، وإن كان قد أربكني قليلا في البداية ، إلاّ أنّه شيق ومثير.
انتهيت من قراءة الرواية قبل حوالي الأسبوعين، ومنذ ذلك الحين وأنا أفكر في هذه الدنيا التي تقدم الكثير لبعضنا عل طبق من فضة و تفرش لهم الطريق بالورود، و التي في الوقت ذاته تحرم الكثيرين من أبسط الحقوق.
فكرت كثيرا في هؤلاء المحرومين الذين يلتقون المحظوظين كل يوم في المدارس Ùˆ الجامعات والوظائف والمحلات، Ùˆ حاولت الدخول إلى عقولهم والتكهن بما يمكن أن يكونوا يفكرون: الحسد، الحقد، الغيرة، الخوف، الطمأنينة، الإصرار، الإعجاب…لم أستطع الإجابة ولكن شيء واحد تأكدت منه، وهو أن الدنيا مليئة بالمشاكل، مرّها أقوى من حلوها للكثيرين، وعلينا تقدير أبسط الأشياء التي منّ بها اللّه علينا، لأنّ غيرنا محروم حتى من أبسط الأشياء…
Category: Arab Societies, Art & Literature, Jordan, Posts in Arabic, Women | 2 Comments on
خارج الجسد’: ولادة الحياة برغم كل شيء’
May 30 2006

Islamic Veil & Celebrities

The Arab world is witnessing a wave of attacks pointed specifically to famous women in the Arab world who wore the Islamic veil in the middle of their blooming careers as movie stars, media representatives or singers.
The wave got specifically stronger following the decision of 2 Egyptian movie stars to wear the Islamic veil: Hala Shiha and Hanan Turk.
Among the few supporting and congratulating voices, many called them different kinds of things for taking such a step.
They’re fame-seekers on one hand, and they’re being this dull example of oppressed women on the other.

Now I’m not here to convince those against the Islamic veil that it’s exactly the opposite of oppressing women, and that it has nothing to do with making women inferior to men in any way, because I’ve said that thousands of times and in the end of the day everyone is free to think what they like.
But what I’m into is asking one single question: does being a famous star in any field mean that we, the audience, suddenly own the lives of those celebrities and have the right to control their decisions?
Continue reading

Category: Arab Societies, Media, International, Religion, Women | 5 Comments on Islamic Veil & Celebrities
May 22 2006

Mission Challenge

I believe many of you are already aware of the LBC’s reality show: Mission Fashion. A competition between young Arab designers as well as Arab models, all under the supervision of the extremely talented Lebanese Designer Elie Saab and a group of professionals.

Now I must admit I’m no big fan of reality TV. But sometimes I watch out of curiosity or when I have nothing to do. One day I tuned to LBC and got to watch an episode of Mission Fashion. Ever since then, I got really addicted and tried to watch it as often as I can.
The reason of my addiction was a contestant: Soulafa.
This Saudi lady designer. I really watch the whole thing just for her sake. Why? Because this woman is a physical display of the word challenge.
Coming out of the extremely conservative community of Saudi Arabia that gives women still few rights compared to other Muslim societies, makes it really hard to participate in such a show as simple as that.
For a woman from that society to take part in a reality TV, is something out of question to so many, now, not only is she taking part in any reality TV, but a fashion show. And it doesn’t stop here, she’s also a mother of a little baby who’s totally dependant on her and who accompanies her throughout the whole show. Continue reading

Category: Arab Societies, General, Media, International, Religion, Women | 4 Comments on Mission Challenge
January 25 2006

The Death Of Victoria Omeish

Victoria Omeish, a name that may ring no bell to so many, but to me this name is strongly attached to a lovely period of my life in Amman.

Omeish was a very active and inspiring figure in her career with Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTVC).
Ever since I came to Jordan by the age of 13, I’ve been meeting her when my school shot a song, or a musical performance or similar activities.
Back then, she used to scare me, she was so strict, and very serious in her work. But when I met her later in university, then during my career life, I realized that what used to scare me, is what I should admire her for. She amazingly worked everything out, keeping everyone and everything under control.
Her job wasn’t easy, and she was always good at what she did.

It’s true I didn’t know her closely, and met her only few times in my life, but I have to admit that when I read the news of her death, I felt depressed. And what saddened me was the fact that she was found by her family members already dead in her apartment yesterday… a very sad way for such a successful and bright woman to end up!

May her soul rest in peace…

Category: Jordan, Women | 3 Comments on The Death Of Victoria Omeish
January 20 2006

CODEPINK: Women for Peace

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CODEPINK is a peace and social justice movement initiated by a group of American women for one single reason: “waging” peace.
Their goal is to stop war in Iraq, and prevent any new wars that may take place.
Instead of using violence and spreading destruction, CODEPINK calls for policies based on compassion, kindness and a commitment to international law, hoping to inspire a community of peacemakers.

It is to be pointed out that this movement is not limited to women; it has become a worldwide network of women as well as men, working together to promote peace and stand for it.

I thank my friend Amelopsis, who drew my attention to this extremely impressive movement by a very sweet comment she left, recommending we watch this very touching and inspiring video made by CODEPINK in remembrance of Martin Luther King.

Category: Media, International, Women | 7 Comments on CODEPINK: Women for Peace
December 28 2005

Wanna Talk religion?!

“A few public girls’ schools in Jeddah submitted requests to have gymnasiums built, but their hopes for introducing physical education classes were dashed after the Ministry of Education announced that physical education for girls would not be allowed.
the Ministry of Education stated that it “would not introduce physical education in girls’ schools” and requested that the media “respect religious, literary and national responsibility” in this regard.
Source: Arab News

With all my respect to the Saudi Ministry of Education, but, really, till when are they going to handle people as fools!
Why does it always have to be in the name of religion?! Please explain to me in what way did Islam ever prohibit females from practicing sports?!
Just tell me what “religious, literary and national responsibility” are they talking about?!
Since when has taking responsibility meant forbidding and ignoring!

When are they going to have the courage to admit that they’re using religion to apply rules they –personally- believe are the best!
Didn’t Islam call for the equality of women and men? Didn’t Islam urge parents to educate their children of both sexes equally!!

What religious responsibility are you talking about for God’s sake?! Does that mean that all other Muslim countries that proudly give women the right to physical education do not respect their religion?!! Come On!!

Saudi women are like any other women in the world, they’re smart, creative and ambitious, and why are you forcing them to give up their rights, why are you deleting their role in society?!!

This is irresponsible and totally unfair.

Category: Arab Societies, General, Religion, Women | 14 Comments on Wanna Talk religion?!
September 16 2005

“Follow The Women”… pedalling for peace!

About 300 women from 25 countries will be riding bicycles to pedal for peace. The around 300-km ride, starts in Beirut today and goes through Syria and Jordan ending in Ramallah-Palestine.
This bike ride is called “Follow the Women” and is meant to send a message to world leaders to stop the suffering caused by the conflict in the Middle East.

The event is organized by Detta Regan, a well known international youth work advisor. She says: “Women do not traditionally cycle in the Middle East, so the sight of a large female-only group will attract huge interest.”

One bicycle will sport the flag of Saudi Arabia, and it will be ridden by one of the Kingdom’s most remarkable women: Dr. Hayat Sindi, a leading Saudi medical researcher who graduated from Cambridge University with a doctorate degree in biotechnology.
“The ride is aimed at raising awareness of how the spiral of violence in the Middle East is blighting the lives of women and children who often suffer the worst consequences of the painfully slow pace of the peace process,” Dr. Sindi said.

“Follow The Women” members were welcomed in every Arabic country they entered last year. They were also warmly welcomed in Jordan last year, and I’m sure they will be encouraged this year as well, since FOLLOW THE WOMEN 2005 now has the patronage of Queen Rania of Jordan.

I’m so happy that women are participating in such important issues, and I’m so pleased that Arab women are playing a role too, whether by encouragement & support, or by personal participation.

Way to go Dr. Sindi, we’re proud of you! Here is more about Dr. Sindi’s struggle to reach her dreams and her accomplishments.

For detailed information about the event, Click Here!

Category: General, Media, International, Palestine, Women | LEAVE A COMMENT