On September 25, 2005, Lebanese television journalist, May Chidiac, started her day like any other. She got up, got dressed and went to her car to begin her commute to the office. This day however turned into a nightmare that would change the course of her life forever. As she entered her car a one pound bomb detonated. Her left leg below the knee was blown off, her left arm was so damaged it was amputated and her hair and clothes were set on fire.
After unbearable pain and twenty plus surgeries, she remains courageously outspoken about the outside forces in her country (Syria, Hezbollah and Iran) and she is determined to stay in Lebanon despite the continuing threats against her life. She remains committed to the people of Lebanon and her beloved country. Her mother and sister remain by her side even though they are risking their own lives. It is an inspiration to hear her speak with such optimism and unshakable commitment.
I was riveted by May's story and that of the five other female journalists from the Middle East, at an event hosted by Pat Mitchell, the CEO of Museum of Television and Radio. Barbara Walters guided a discussion among these women from Iraq, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon and the Qatar based Al-Jazeera English news channel. It was an amazing evening that was that was candid, inspiring and heart-wrenching.
I sat immobilized listening to their courageous stories. Four of the six, risk there lives daily to speak out for their country. The Iraqi journalist's life is in so much danger she could not reveal her identity. She shared her thoughts on the war and the harsh reality of life in Iraq. She said that life is far worse now than before, especially for women. If one simply utters a disagreeable sentence it could cost them their life as well as the lives of their family.
Iran and Pakistan are just as difficult to live for women. The indignities of honor crimes are still prevalent in Pakistan. The outspoken Iranian journalist, Mehrangiz Kar, was banished from Iran. Her husband has been under house arrest for years and is tortured daily. He lies near death in a hospital. She cannot see or speak to her dying husband. It is a heavy price to pay for her integrity and loyalty to her country.
I could not help but feel deeply for the difficulties of these women -- but they do not want our pity. Their strength permeated the room and as the Saudi journalist Muna AbuSulayman stated, "Don't be fooled by the veil. We have great strength behind it." As they shared their experiences it became clear how little we knew of their lives. They rightly said Middle Eastern women are stereotyped as one. Among these five neighboring countries, their respective cultures are quite diverse. In fact, we discovered that these women know very little about each others lives.
There is however one common bond. The women spoke of the importance of family, the constant guilt of balancing work and children, and their commitment to improving the lives of other women. I wondered as I left, if we had more time and an opportunity to get together, perhaps we could find a common bond. We share similar family values and we are more inclined to lead by building a consensus. It leaves me with the belief that women need more access to each other and to power -- as we can be catalysts for global progress and positive social change.