Ep 27. Manal Omar, Crossing Red Lines
- October 28, 2017
Manal Omar is a renowned Muslim feminist, peace activist, and author who has dedicated her life to creating spaces for dialogue and understanding between different cultures and religions. In this episode of To the Contrary, she discusses her new book, Crossing Red Lines, which tells the story of her journey from growing up in the United States as the daughter of Palestinian immigrants to working in the Middle East during some of the most tumultuous periods in recent history.
Omar discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field and the stereotypes and prejudices she encountered as a Muslim working in conflict zones. She also shares her insights into the complex political and cultural dynamics of the Middle East and the importance of dialogue and understanding in creating more peaceful and just societies.
The episode also explores the issue of gender-based violence and the urgent need for greater awareness and action to address this pervasive problem. Omar discusses her advocacy work for survivors of sexual violence in conflict zones and the importance of empowering women to speak out and take action against gender-based violence.
In addition to her work in the Middle East, Omar also discusses her advocacy for refugee and immigrant communities in the United States. She shares her own experiences as a Muslim immigrant growing up in America and the challenges of navigating the complex cultural and political landscape as a person of color in the current political climate.
Throughout the episode, Omar emphasizes the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding in bridging the divides between different cultures and communities and creating a more just and peaceful world. Her inspiring work and insights provide a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out and taking action to address some of the most pressing issues of our time, from gender-based violence to conflict and displacement.
