Michigan Students to Screen “Honor Diaries”
“This event will raise awareness and encourage action against oppression and violence against women throughout the world,” said UM-Ann Arbor sophomore Grant Strobl, chairman of Young Americans for Freedom and 14th Congressional District Executive Committee member.
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Contact: Glenn Gilbert 14th Congressional District Phone 586-850-9942
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14th Congressional District |
Press Release
Michigan Students to Screen “Honor Diaries” on Thursday
Students move forward Despite Intimidation Campaigns
West Bloomfield, MI, {For Immediate Release]: Students at UM-Ann Arbor will host a screening and panel discussion on Thursday October 15 at 6 p.m. of the groundbreaking documentary Honor Diaries, which breaks the silence on female genital mutilation (FGM) and other “honor” violence against girls and women in Muslim-majority societies around the world. Both events take place in the Pendleton Room of the Michigan Union, 530 S. State Street in Ann Arbor.
The screening and discussion, hosted by Young Americans for Freedom at The University of Michigan aims to educate students, faculty and others about “honor-based” violence explored in Honor Diaries, including “honor killings,” FGM and child marriage. The events are receiving financial sponsorship from the University of Michigan Central Student Government.
In the U.S., more than 500,000 girls and women are potentially at risk of FGM; that figure is more than 3 million worldwide. Michigan is among 26 states lacking laws against FGM. An estimated 25 to 28 “honor killings” reportedly take place in the United States annually and more than 20,000 worldwide.
The panel discussion will showcase Raheel Raza, a progressive Muslim human rights activist and president of the Council for Muslims Facing Tomorrow. Raheel is featured prominently in Honor Diaries in which nine women who are Muslim or have roots in Muslim cultures delve into “honor violence” issues in a salon-style setting (see trailer).
In the past, a planned screening of this award-winning film organized at UM-Dearborn and other universities have been canceled following criticism and intimidation campaigns. Hosts of the upcoming event have vowed not to give in to such tactics.
“This event will raise awareness and encourage action against oppression and violence against women throughout the world,” said UM-Ann Arbor sophomore Grant Strobl, chairman of Young Americans for Freedom and 14th Congressional District Executive Committee member. "It is our responsibility as Americans to promote freedom and equality in societies that currently treat women as second-class citizens.”
Said Paula Kweskin, producer and writer of Honor Diaries and a human rights attorney, “It’s time to put an end to gender-based persecution, and we stand with the UM students courageously educating their peers and the community about these ongoing abuses.”
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Grant Strobl at [email protected] or 586-549-6764. To interview Paula Kweskin or Raheel Raza, contact [email protected] or 202-683-6883.
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