Ohio University alumna and Muslim convert Karen Dabdoub will visit her alma mater tomorrow, this time to discuss the social and economic rights of Muslim women and to dispel some stereotypes.
Women's issues was an area where I had some misconceptions
as a lot of Americans do said Dabdoub. Most of what we learn about (Islam) is through the media and the media present` an extremely distorted view
especially about women.
For example, most Americans picture Muslim women wearing burkas, when in actuality less than 1 percent of Muslim women wear them, she said.
Dabdoub is the executive director of the Cincinnati office of CAIR, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, and converted to Islam after she met and married a Muslim man and started a family.
I had no intention to convert
but after learning more about it I realized that it teaches what I already believed
Dabdoub said, adding that 20 years later she still reads and learns more about the Islamic religion.
The Muslim Students Association will host Dabdoub, with support from the International Student Union, United Campus Ministries and the Women's Center of OU.
She's a bridge between American society and Islamic society
said Kevin Santos Flores, a graduate student and programming chair for MSA. Her experience will help bridge misunderstandings and stereotypes ... and will build on common ground.
In fact, members of UCM planned to invite Dabdoub to speak on campus four years ago before she fell ill.
It's important to showcase people who can create an atmosphere for dialogue
said UCM Program Director Melissa Wales. Anytime you can bring people of different faith backgrounds together ... that fosters education.
Following the program there will be a reception and free pizza and a chance to meet with Dabdoub.
It's especially important to me (as a Muslim woman) to talk about this subject ... so people can see me - an educated
articulate professional
Dabdoub said.
