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Posted on Mon, Nov 14, 2011 : 7:20 p.m.

Nobel Prize winner Tawakkul Karman speaks at Rackham Auditorium

By Angela Cesere

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A crowd of more than 500 people turned out Monday evening to listen to a speech by Tawakkul Karman, a Yemeni activist and the first Arab woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, held at the University of Michigan's Rackham Auditorium.

Karman's speech covered the rights and the changing role of women in the Middle East and emphasized working toward a peaceful democratic revolution in Yemen.

"We want a nation that is modern, civil and democratic," Karman said.

"We need a nation of equal citizenship, we need a nation that fights corruption," she added.

After fielding questions from the audience, she led the auditorium in a chant for peace and freedom used by many protestors in the Middle East.

Comments

BhavanaJagat

Tue, Nov 15, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.

The Role of Women in Islamic Society : I do hope that this Award and recognition would encourage more women to participate in matters of governance and increase the visibility of women living in Islamic World. In Saudi Arabia, women are asking for the right to drive motor vehicles on their own. Freedom to think for oneself would help in promoting peace and understanding.

Gordon

Tue, Nov 15, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.

Good for her. No reason religions can't have a place along side of government No reason people can't be tolerant of other religions. No reason why we can't respect others. We don't have to agree; but we don't have to be so stubborn as to violate others rights. Funny, we humans, when our way is the only way we have have begun to violate the tenents of our own beliefs.

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