Our member Joelle Hatem has produced a video showcasing achievements in women’s rights in Lebanon and examples of what remains to be done.

The video was produced for our training program “Ghayreh 3adtik Bitzeed S3adtik – Feminist Tools for Change” which aims at empowering women with the knowledge, tools and resources to bring about change from a feminist perspective.

The message of the video is simple: Change is possible. We just have to work on it.

If you’d like to us to take the training program to your university, school, organization or group, please write to farah[at]nasawiya.org.

June 12 is Global Day of Action to Free Prisoners of Conscience in Iran.

Why June 12?

Almost a year has passed since the flawed presidential election in Iran, which spurred to action the people of Iran, who joined together, regardless of demographic, to protest their stolen votes, and later to advocate for their civil & human rights. Movements like these are rarely witnessed in Muslim countries.

June 12, 2010 will mark one year since the initial systematic human and civil rights crackdowns following the election, which has led to the arrests and detainment of thousands of activists, students, writers, minorities, and everyday citizens.

For the day, prominent international human right NGOs, grassroots groups, networks, university campuses, and individuals will join forces to support the civil and human rights movement in Iran and call the Islamic Republic of Iran on its blatant human rights abuses.

In addition to promoting this Global Day of Action, we at Nasawiya have taken it upon ourselves to call for  the release of Hengameh Shahidi, about 35, a journalist and political activist who is currently serving a six-year sentence in Evin Prison, Tehran. The six- year prison term includes five years for “gathering and colluding with intent to harm state security” and one year for “propaganda against the system.” She is a prisoner of conscience.

In April 2010, Shahidi, while meeting her mother in Evin prison, sent a message despite the trend of illegal detention, interrogations and also an approved heavy sentence from Court of Appeals, she respects what is defined as punishment for her and have prepared herself for serving a 6 year sentence. (You can read her full message here.)

On June 12, whether you’re tweeting, blogging, writing, thinking or talking to friends, please take a few moments to remember all the imprisoned Iranian activists and freedom fighters, our partners in the struggle for justice.

The title of the training program, which translates into "Change Your Habit To Be Happier" is a pun on a traditional Arabic proverb.

After a series of sessions in schools and universities, we’re bringing our training program on feminist tools for change “Ghayreh 3adtik Bitzeed S3adtik” (Change Your Habit To Be Happier) to you.

On Saturday, April 24, 2010, we’re holding an introductory session between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM at our office in Mar Mikhael. (Call 01-447 192 for directions.)

Primarily targeted at young women, the program is designed to provide participants with the knowledge, tools and resources to bring about change from a feminist perspective.

This is your chance to learn more about feminism and how it can be used as a positive and empowering tool for change. The session will also include an open discussion, during which you can share your thoughts on the program and addressing women’s issues in our part of the world.

So mark your calendars, and join us this coming Saturday for our interactive session on feminism and activism.

Please confirm your attendance to farah[at]nasawiya.org.