The silenced women of the Islamic State
Political Science and Public Policy Programmes
in conjunction with the New Zealand Institute of International Affairs (Waikato Branch)
When:
Where:
Wednesday 2 September, 6.00pm
J.2.18 (J Block, Second Floor, University of Waikato)
Abstract: The recent advance of the Islamic State in western Iraq and eastern Syria has exacerbated the critical
security situation in Iraq. On the 19th of May 2015, the city of Ramadi was captured by the Islamic State and their
flags and banners covered the city. As their forces captured the streets of Ramadi, young angry men burnt any
photos of unveiled women, banned women from leaving their houses and restricted their movements in public
spaces. They claim their position to be purely theological and argue that the spread of a uni-sex public space in
the Middle East is a systematic plan from the West to corrupt the Islamic Ummah (community) from within. This
presentation addresses the situation of women under the rule of the Islamic State as the group gains more
territory and momentum in the Middle East.
Presenter Bio: Dr Negar Partow is a senior lecturer in the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey
University, Wellington, New Zealand. She earned her Masters’ degrees in Iran and New Zealand and completed
her PhD at Victoria University of Wellington. During her academic years, Negar has studied Middle East
languages, politics, religions, human rights and international security as well as political philosophy and religious
studies. In addition to teaching, Negar is a regular media commentator on Middle East security issues and an
enthusiastic human rights activist.
You are welcome to join us for refreshments in J.2.12 from 5.30pm
For more information, please contact Professor Dov Bing at [email protected]