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What
is Islam's View of Democracy?
How
do others view democracy, especially citizens of Islamic countries?
I will have a first hand opportunity to hear the answer to that
question and many others during an eight day trip to Tunis, Tunisia,
July 16-24.
I
am very pleased to report that I have been invited to co-lead a
seminar entitled "The Women's Initiative" funded by a nonprofit
organization through the US State Department. This nonpartisan Initiative
began eighteen months ago when Secretary of State Colin Powell envisioned
a program where "emerging women leaders in the Near East and North
Africa may learn technical and organizational skills necessary for
increased political participation."
Over
sixty Islamic women from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia will gather
in Tunis, Tunisia, to discuss ways they can become more involved
in their government. They will build and strengthen their existing
networks among women leaders in North Africa and the broader Arab
region to prepare them for increased political participation.
The
training will bring women leaders together from across Northern
African countries, thus exposing participants to different perspectives
and experiences regarding women's integration in the political process.
While I will have the opportunity to share my hopeful perspective
for the leadership models necessary to lead in this chaotic global
time, I know I will learn more than I could possibly teach these
courageous women.
I
will keep a diary of my experiences and share those observations
in my next ezine. If you were going with me - and in a way you
are - what would you be curious about learning? What most would
you like to learn from this experience? I welcome your questions,
thoughts and will consider them in my observations as I record my
experience. Thank you for your participation in this exciting global
adventure!
Please
email me your thoughts - donna@politicsofhope.com
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