Obama Adresses Women's Rights in Cairo Speech
US President Barack Obama
- US President Barack Obama addressed the issue of women’s rights in his Cairo speech delivered on June 4, 2009.
- He said: “I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal. But I do believe a woman who is denied an education is denied equality.”
- He made a clear connection between women’s education and a country’s prosperity.
- “I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. … Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity, men and women, to reach their full potential. I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal. And I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles. But it should be their choice.”
- For this reason, Obama said, the US would partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls and micro-finance support for young women.
Source: Associated Press
Some Reactions from Women in the Region
The Saudi-based English-language newspaper Arab World quoted reactions of some local women to President Obama’s speech.
Asya Al-Ashaikh
Jeddah-based Founder and CEO, Tamkeen Development and Management Consulting
“His words will open a new chapter in our relationship with the US. He touched almost all the issues that concern us. What struck a chord within me was his focus on education and the empowering of women through education. ‘Our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons.’ I will always remember that line. It is so true.”
Hatoon Al-Fassi
Riyadh-based Saudi Writer and historian
“His statement that the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing is highly significant. It is a proposal that should be immediately grasped for the general good of the civilised world.”
Amna Khaishgi
Dubai-based Pakistani broadcast journalist
“Be it the West, Middle East or Asia, the role of women acquires the most critical dimension, and any progress will be incomplete without the participation of almost half the population on the planet. Women have always played and will continue to play a great role in the Muslim world but making it further participatory will surely be more than welcome.”
Sharia Abdullah Walker
Jeddah-based Saudi student of international relations
“Obama’s speech to the Muslim world was one of hope and prospect. His address about women in the Muslim world was on the one hand one of respect towards religious and traditional differences and on the other hand one of encouragement to women.”
Source: Women delighted at Obama’s address, Arab News, June 5, 2009.
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