What if you were not taught how to read simply because you were born a certain gender? What if, through no fault of your own, it was safer to live out your life in jail than to face an abusive family situation or the possibility of an “honor killing” by your own parents?
What would you do?
For millions of women in the Arab world, these situations are faced daily. Until a few years ago, there was nothing they could do. Slowly, in some countries, things are beginning to change. And although women in countries such as Jordan and Lebanon have received more rights, their sisters in countries like Iraq, Yemen and Saudi Arabia are still denied many rights.
Now, though, women like Ruba Abbassi are working to raise awareness of the plight of Arab women in order to effect change, both in laws and fundamental societal attitudes.
In 1999, Abbassi — whose husband, Nabeeh, is the president of the Jordan Baptist Convention — began a radio show called “Arab Woman Today.” Targeted to Arab women, the show addresses the social, economic and psychological needs of its listeners. It also presents the gospel when possible and strives to inform women of their value and civil rights.
Abbassi noted that negative attitudes toward women reach beyond religious boundaries. “It is so sad to say that the Christian men are influenced by the Islamic teaching and culture that surrounds them,” she said, explaining that this allows them to treat their wives unequally, with disrespect and violence.
Abbassi recently traveled to Birmingham to speak to Samford University students and faculty and staff members of Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU).
Carol Ann Vaughn, director of the Christian Women’s Leadership Center (CWLC) at Samford, facilitated the trip. She noted that WMU, the CWLC and Abbassi are researching ways to partner. Abbassi has already received a grant from WMU Foundation to support the Arab Woman’s Networking Conference that was held in March.
Abbassi initially chose radio because of the high illiteracy rate among Arab women, she said, noting that it is about 60 percent. Originally broadcast within Jordan, the 15-minute show is now heard throughout the 22 Arab countries in the Middle East and north Africa through Trans World Radio.
It also spurred the formation of Arab Woman Today Ministries (AWT), which added a Web site and training seminars to the radio program. “My vision is not to only go beyond the church walls and into Jordan but to Arab … women,” Abbassi said.
The Web site contains audio files of the radio program and in-depth articles. It also has a special page for men only.
The training seminars provide educational and spiritual classes and networking opportunities for Arab women. AWT functions as part of the Jordan Baptist Convention ministries but is funded by private donors.
Abbassi’s new vision is to provide an English resource for those who want information about today’s Arab woman. She is developing the site www.awtministries.com for that purpose.
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