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From Newslog:

Rising Equality

Posted on June 7, 2012 - Permalink

BSU hosted its second Middle East International Conference, where participants hailing from all over the world gathered in the campus center's large ballroom for presentations and discussions focusing on issues concerning women's rights and uprisings in the Middle East. 

(For full videos of all the speakers click here.)

The theme of the two-day program was "Women and Gender in the Middle East: Recognition, Reflection and Realignment." 

"This is a conference that crosses disciplines and emphasizes the need to think more about women and gender in an international context," said Dr. Sarah Wiggins, assistant professor of history and coordinator of the Women's and Gender Studies Program, who opened and co-organized the program.

The conference attracted 60 participants from a number of higher education institutions in the United States, Algeria, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Nigeria and Oman.

Conference co-organizer Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi, professor of communication studies and director of the Center for Middle East Studies, said the focus of the conference was to help educate a new generation on the importance of improving women's rights in the Middle East. 

Dr. Al-Obaidi, who comes from an Iraqi family with seven sisters and three brothers, attributed the oppression of women in the region to a select few powerful leaders. "It is not a matter of religion or culture," said Dr. Al-Obaidi. "The cause of the suffering of women in the Middle East is the policies of an elite group of men, some corrupted individuals. They have the power of law."

However, there is a new spirit in the Middle East today, Dr. Al-Obaidi said. "The Middle East and particularly the Arab world are going through dramatic changes. What the people want is those in authority is to listen to the voice of social justice, a social justice that emphasizes the rule of law, democracy, social stability, employment and good government."

One of the event's keynote speakers was Randa Fahmy Hudome, an internationally recognized expert in Middle East and North Africa affairs, who served in the executive and legislative branches of the U.S. government and has been a guest on such programs as NBC's Today show. 

 Dr. Jabbar Al-Obaidi

She discussed women's role in the Arab Spring uprisings, which have occurred in a number of countries, including Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria. "As we watch these sweeping changes throughout the Middle East, we recognize that women's role in all of this is extraordinarily important," she said in her talk, "Similarities in Challenges and Triumphs Between the Women of the Middle East and the United States."

Ms. Hudome said she is "cautiously optimistic" of women's rights expanding in the Middle East, because American women's rights movements, such as the 1920s suffrage movement, have been successful. "It is indeed possible for women throughout the world to overcome those same kinds of challenges as women in this country have done," she said. 

In welcoming remarks, President Dana Mohler-Faria said it is important to examine the status of women around the world, particularly in the Middle East, where women have fewer opportunities than women in the West. "Significant roles that women can and should play in the world are foremost in the minds of all of us attending this conference, and when we look at those areas of the world where women are playing a subservient role, we see the potential that women have to change those societies and to change the world," he said. 

Additional speakers included Dr. Michael Kryzanek, BSU's director of global studies and executive director of international engagement, and Fred Clark, executive vice president and vice president for external affairs. 

A dozen panel discussions on related topics were held during the conference, including "Feminism and Islam," "Issues Facing Jordanian Women," and "Women, Islam and Gender Equality."

The conference was sponsored by the university's Center for Middle East Studies and the Women's and Gender Studies Program.

For the full program, names and professional backgrounds of all participants and speakers, click here. (David K. Wilson, '71, University Advancement; videos by Moakley TV Studio) 

VIDEOS:

Randa Fahmy Hudome, president, Fahmy Hudome International, LLC delivers her keynote addres

Reaching Out Globally

Posted on September 21, 2011 - Permalink


 Dr. Victor Borges, BSU Diplomat in ResidenceDr. Victor Borges, whose work with education and foreign affairs in Cape Verde spans two decades, will bring to campus his experienced perspective on international relations as BSU's first ever diplomat in residence.

Until mid-October, Dr. Borges will lecture on foreign affairs and related topics in classrooms and at campus events, as well as at higher education institutions and additional venues across Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Center for International Engagement is hosting Dr. Borges and each September will select a new diplomat in residence as part of an effort to bring distinguished international figures to campus.

Dr. Borges said his role as diplomat is an important one, emphasizing the reciprocal benefits for him and the campus community.

"Being the diplomat in residence means having the opportunity to share my experience, my knowledge and doubts with the university community and bring something to the students," he said. "The position also represents a chance to learn a little bit from academia and contrast my experience and knowledge with other perspectives."

From 2004-2008, Dr. Borges served as Minister of Foreign Affairs for Cape Verde. Before that, he was a minister of education for four years (2001-2004) and held numerous positions in the field of education. Today, he is an international consultant and trainer in the country.

One major benefit Dr. Borges said he found in coming to BSU was the university's strong connections and close proximity to many surrounding Cape Verdean communities, especially in Brockton.

The message he hopes to provide those Cape Verdean communities is one of empowerment. "The most important thing for Cape Verdeans is for the young generation to get good education and training," he said. "They need to take their own responsibility, because they have a lot of opportunities here."

In his first weeks on campus, Dr. Borges talked with the university's Cape Verdean students about foreign affairs and their roles on campus and in the community.

(Story and photo by Rob Matheson, '07, Office of University Advancement)

 

 
Miyuki Abe delivers her student speech
Miyuki Abe delivers her student speech

Lurleen Betson-Gamboa holds her certificate alongside Harold Tavares (right), assistant director of ISS, and Jeane Lincoln of graduate studies
Lurleen Betson-Gamboa holds her certificate alongside Harold Tavares (right), assistant director of ISS, and Jeane Lincoln of graduate studies

Dr. Edward Minnock offers his remarks
Dr. Edward Minnock offers his remarks

From Newslog:

Praise and Warm Goodbyes

Posted on May 19, 2011 - Permalink


Before they walked across the commencement stage or returned to their homelands to complete their degrees, Bridgewater State University's foreign exchange students were honored at the International Graduation and Farewell Celebration.

Certificates of achievement were awarded to 37 graduate and undergraduate exchange students from countries all over the world, including Belize, Cape Verde, China, Great Britain, Japan, Jordan and South Africa. Enrolled in a variety of programs, some students had stayed at the university for a semester, others for a few years.

The annual celebration aims to honor Bridgewater State University's international community for their academic achievements and contributions to campus. "It brings together like-minded souls in celebration," said Dr. Roopa Rawjee, director of International Student Services (ISS).

In his remarks, Dr. Edward Minnock, vice president for External Affairs, evoked one of Robert Frost's most famous poems to honor the exchange students, who chose to study in an unfamiliar culture. "You've taken the road less traveled," he told the large audience in the Council Chambers of the Rondileau Campus Center. "You took a risk, and I know it's one that was well worth it."

Several of the students delivered speeches about their experiences at the university.

An emotional Miyuki Abe from Japan, who earned her bachelor's degree in economics, said Bridgewater friends helped her overcome a natural shyness. "They really broke me out of my shell," she said. "Based on what I've experienced, I'd like to encourage everyone to challenge themselves the same way."

Joarel Chinguvo, who will return to the University of Cape Verde to complete his bachelor's degree in public relations, discussed the obstacles and the cultural exchanges he experienced on campus. He said the university helped him prepare for his career. "I feel that Bridgewater has prepared me for the challenges I will face as a professional, as a person and as a student," he said.

Additional student speakers were: Kim Kirkwood, from South Africa, and Lurleen Betson-Gamboa, from Belize. This year saw the first three exchange students from Belize, who enrolled in the Master's of Education program.

Offering praise, Dr. Michael Kryzanek, executive director of the Center for International Engagement, told the exchange students they bring diverse culture and enlightening perspectives to Bridgewater State University. "You enrich our campus community," he said. (Story and photos by Rob Matheson, '07, Office of Institutional Communications)

Mr. Takeshi Hikihara, Consul General of Japan in Boston

On April 14, Mr. Takeshi Hikihara, Consul General of Japan in Boston, visited Bridgewater State University. Mr. Hikihara spoke about Japan after the earthquake, and U.S. - Japan relations, to an audience of faculty, students, administrators and staff.

 

BSU Japan Earthquake and Tsunami Relief Theater Workshop

The first post-earthquake Japan-related event for the rest of the semester was held Thursday, March 17, from 2 to 4 pm, in the Campus Center Auditorium, in conjunction with a Japanese theater workshop. An update of the disaster and its aftermath was provided, future fundraising efforts were announced, and the campus was presented with an opportunity to donate to the Red Cross through the Community Service Center drop box or campus box office area.

 The Asian Studies Program, the Department of Theater and Dance, and the Department of Foreign Languages invited a visiting artist from Kyoto, Japan, Mr. Katsumi Yanagimoto, and Dr. Matthew Fraleigh, a professor from Brandeis University to lead a Japanese kyogen theater workshop. Kyogen is the name for a dramatic style and repertoire of short comic plays focused on the world of the common man and woman, one of the oldest theatrical traditions in Japan. The demonstration provided a general introduction and overview of the history of kyogen, described some of the general features of the dramatic style, and demonstrated its techniques. Selections from a performance of "Chidori" (Plovers) and an explanation of the costumes used in kyogen theater were presented. Students and other attendees learned about typical gestures, stances, and poses used in kyogen and asked questions of the artists.

 

In the News:

Japanese students at Bridgewater State University report families OK after quake

By Vicki-Ann Downing
Enterprise Staff Writer
Mar 12, 2011 @ 06:00 AM


BRIDGEWATER -- When news of the earthquake and tsunami broke on Friday morning, Roopa Rawjee's first thoughts were about the 15 students from Japan attending Bridgewater State University.

Rawjee, director of international student services at BSU's Center for International Engagement, immediately sent e-mails to each student, acknowledging the event, asking for their families and offering to help in any way possible. She was relieved to learn that none of the students came from Tohuku Province, the region in northeast Japan most affected by the earthquake.

The Japanese students "tend to speak less," said Rawjee. "They are quiet students."

Local residents with friends or family members in Japan were worried after hearing about the devastating earthquake and tsunami on Friday in Japan.

Hundreds of Japanese were dead or missing following the 8.9 magnitude earthquake -- the largest in Japan's history -- and the accompanying tsunami, which reportedly sent waves as high as 30 feet onshore, sweeping away cars, boats and buildings. The West Coast and several islands in the Pacific were also under tsunami warnings. In Oregon, a tsunami sank several boats in Brookings Harbor on Friday, swept half a dozen others out to sea and washed into the ocean four people who were later rescued, said authorities in southern Oregon.

Locally, Sonia Brightman of Bridgewater also turned to the computer when she heard about the earthquake. Her brother lives in Yokohama, south of the area where the quake occurred.

"I think he's fine. I got an e-mail," said Brightman. Last year, she brought her son to Japan as a high school graduation present. "What a beautiful country," said Brightman. "It breaks my heart. The people are so gracious and helpful. My heart goes out to them."

In an e-mail, Yuka Mombara, an exchange student at Bridgewater State University studying education, wrote Rawjee: "I came back to Bridgewater this morning from California. I checked my e-mail account and I got an e-mail from my mother about the earthquake. All of my family are safe.

"I feel so sad for people who died and had serious damage on their families and houses."

Miyuki Abe, an undergraduate studying economics at Bridgewater, said, "I could talk with my parents eventually and now I know they are OK."

Another exchange student, Saki Kano, who is studying anthropology, wrote, "Thank you very much for your concern. My family is safe."

Rawjee said she was "relieved" by the messages. "It's always a worrisome thing when these natural disasters hit."

At Stonehill College in Easton, officials were considering whether to go ahead with plans to send two students to study at Sophia University in Tokyo later in the month, following the Japanese academic calendar.

College spokesman Martin McGovern said Sophia University had so far been unaffected by the earthquake and tsunami.

"We have been in touch with Sophia and need some time to assess the situation," said McGovern. "The students also have some time before making up their minds" about whether to go ahead with plans, he said.

The disasters on Friday also delayed Easton Town Administrator David A. Colton's return from Malaysia. Colton was scheduled to leave Malaysia on Saturday and fly home through the Tokyo airport, but it was closed, said selectmen Chairwoman Colleen A. Corona. Corona said Colton was able to re-book his flight through London instead. He will return to Massachusetts on Tuesday afternoon at the earliest. Colton was vacationing in Malaysia with his husband, Brian Khoo, a native of that country.

U.S. Army Sgt. Maj. Steve Valley, a Brockton native, told WCVB-TV Channel 5 that the earthquake was "intense" at Yokota Air Base, 28 miles north of Tokyo, and measured 5 on the Richter scale there.

"I'll tell you the truth, it was a lot of shake, rattle and roll and luckily no other damage," said Valley. "It was a slow, progressive quake, my first time through an earthquake. Lasted well over a minute. It was intense," Valley said. "It's just an amazing feeling. Something you have no control over."

Valley said the damage from the tsunami that followed the earthquake was incredible. "It's the strongest earthquake in many years in Japan, and even though they're in the 'Ring of Fire,' I don't think you can ever prepare for something as intense as that," Valley said.

Meanwhile, the American Red Cross activated a disaster operations center in Washington, D.C., is monitoring the situation and is ready to provide assistance as needed, according to the organization's website. Anyone trying to contact friends or family in Japan who are U.S. citizens is encouraged to search for them on the Red Cross' "Safe and Well" family-linking website.

U.S. Sen. John Kerry, chairman of the foreign relations committee, released a statement calling Japan a "close friend and ally."

"We will continue to watch closely for tsunamis in the Pacific and stand ready to assist our citizens as well as our friends and partners in surrounding countries with humanitarian and disaster assistance," the statement said.

GateHouse News Service material was used in this story. Enterprise staff writer Vicki-Ann Downing can be reached at vdowning@enterprisenews.com.

Copyright 2011 The Patriot Ledger. Some rights reserved
 


Survivors of quake use social media to reach home

(NECN: Greg Wayland) - In the early going, quake survivors were cut off from the outer world, and from the far-off world of Japanese students studying at Bridgewater State University south of Boston -- all of them worried about their families.
Students -- we spoke with a half dozen --  quickly bridged the miles and broke the silence --  by email, Skype and MSN.

"Some of my friends text me about the tsunami," said Saki Kano, an exchange student from Osaka, Japan.

Yuka Mombara, another student, told us: "I came back last Friday from my vacation and I got email from my mom."

The social media they'd mastered in their young lives let them quickly learn that their families were fine. Then there was the life-line known as Twitter.

Joe Gabriel, who was traveling in Asia for the Bedford, Mass-based software security company RSA, "Hadn't done a lot of tweets," but that quickly changed.

Joe said, "We were taxiing down the runway, getting ready to depart." Then the quake struck Tokyo's Narita Airport.

"I turned to look out to my right out the window and said, 'We're not moving.' And I could see the wings of the airplane, you know, shaking violently, almost touching the ground."
 
During six hours trapped on the tarmac, Joe tweeted and received dozens of tweets in return.

Joe, "Just sort of let people know -- more importantly, let my family know -- what was going on.... and found people started to interact with me, asking, 'I have a relative on that flight. Is everybody okay?'"

Everybody was -- and was able to let the world know it. Quickly.

"Not only via Twitter but via the internet. We were able to get internet access on the plane. I had an I-pad. We were able to go to the various news outlets to see what was going on around us."
     
It was an example of the new social media making a difference in a crisis.

 

To see the video of this story, visit the NECN website.

Last Modified: June 28, 2012