Today was the day I had the opportunity to meet Manal al-Sharif and photograph her for her interview. To be in Manal’s presence is to be inspired. Manal has become a symbol of women’s rights activists ever since she was imprisoned for nine days after driving a car. As I have learned, it is not against the law for women to drive it is just frowned upon by Sharia law. She explained that Saudi Arabia is the last country in the world that still prohibits women from driving themselves around. The explanation she was given as to why this fact still remains was, “ A study states, the percentage of rape, adultery, illegitimate children, even drug abuse, prostitution in countries where women drive is higher than countries where women don't drive.” I so greatly admired her ability to approach the injustice she has faced her entire life with such a comedic attitude, she recognized the ways she has been mistreated, but has not let this turn her into a martyr. She has taken these life experiences and has turned them into stepping stools to help her grow and has lead her to become this symbol of strength for women within her society.
The road she has taken has not been smooth, she has been faced with numerous death threats and has been called a traitor by many within her own society because of her attempts to tear down social barriers. She explained that although what she is doing is not easy, it is about time. Women constantly ask her when she thinks women will be able to start driving, and her response was simple and profound. She said women will only will have that right when people stop asking “when” and start demanding “now”. It made me begin to wonder what I can do in my own life to stop wondering when and start working to make now happen.
Manal ended by expressing her love for her religion, country, and culture, she would not be working tirelessly towards making a difference if she didn’t.
My heart is full and I have been rejuvenated after today thanks to this inspiring woman.
That's all for now
-Tanya
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