The Swedish Institute in Alexandria has hosted the renowned Egyptian feminist Nawal al-Saadawi in an open discussion on “Dialogue as a Way of Pluralism”; as part of its new programme Wider Spaces for Women. The seminar was opened by Peter Weiderud, director of the Institute, and moderated by Javeria Rizvi Kabani Deputy Director of the Swedish Institute in Alexandria; and Dahlia Wasfi, researcher in woman’s issues
The focus of the discussion was Dr Saadawi’s book ++On woman, religion and ethics++. The book provides a rich starting point for more in-depth discussions on how to make use of dialogue as a tool for pluralism in society.
Dr Saadaw has to her credit more than 56 books and novels which were translated into some 40 languages. She is internationally recognised and has been granted honorary doctorates by several European and US universities. She was also three time nominated for the Nobel prize.
The Swedish Institute programme included inviting Egyptian and Swedish women to talk about their experiences and perspectives. There has also been a reading of the international play “Seven” that tells the stories of female rights activists around the world. There was also a ‘narration workshop held for girls, with the aim of improving their personal storytelling skills; as well as a film that deals with the life story of the great Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, one of the pioneers of the film industry in the world. The activities included too a discussion about graffiti art and as an expression of woman’s rights.
Watani International
18 December 2015