Evolving role of women in Middle East focus of International Brown Bag Lunch Series Sept. 10

The changing role of women in the Middle East will be the focus of Dr. Iclal Vanwesenbeeck’s presentation at the International Brown Bag Luncheon on Monday, Sept. 10, beginning at noon, at the Fenton Hall English Reading Room (Fenton 127).

In her talk, “Middle Eastern Women: Tradition, Development and Change,” Vanwesenbeeck, English professor, will discuss local perspectives on women’s movement in Jordan and the Middle East and elaborate on current challenges and achievements of Jordanian women.

Vanwesenbeeck attended the summer CIEE International Faculty Development Seminar in Amman, Jordan that focused on the changing role of Arab women in the aftermath of the al-Rabee al ‘Arab, or the Arab Spring. She and other seminar participants met with the country’s first minister for Women’s Affairs, author Laila Atrash, filmmaker Nadine Toukan and other scholars and activists. Visits were also conducted to the Baqaa Palestinian Refugee Camp and to a community of Bedouin women in Southern Badia.

Those attending the Brown Bag may bring their own lunch or a snack; drinks and cookies will be furnished.