Nahed Sammani Stefany, a marriage and family therapist, aimed to clarify misconceptions of women’s roles in Middle Eastern societies on March 10 during the Oxnard College Lecture Series.
Stefany’s lecture focused on women’s contribution to society, religion and culture and was very informative, according to students and faculty alike.
“We are developing a unit in my class about Latina women and their role in society,” said Spanish professor Cecilia Milán. “I, personally, see a lot of similarities between Latina women and Middle Eastern women, so it was very helpful as a general understanding.”
In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, Stefany was the most recent speaker for the Oxnard lecture series, an event that takes place every Wednesday from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. in the Clocktower Auditorium.
According to Stefany, it wasn’t until 20 years after she moved to America that she decided to teach those around her about her culture.
“Before 9/11 no one was rude to me when I introduced myself as an Arabic person,” she said. “Afterwards, I felt a responsibility to make them understand.”
Now, Stefany hopes that her lectures will help steer people away from the stigma of Middle Eastern women as an oppressed group.
At least a couple students walked away with a little more insight.
“I didn’t really know what [Middle Eastern culture] was all about before,” said Diana Cortez, a 20-year-old undecided major. “It made me more aware.”
For more information on the Oxnard College Lecture Series, contact Shelley Savren at (805) 986-5800, ext. 1951.
