The hijab, or sikh turban, or Jewish skullcap are all explicit symbols, but they do not represent a threat or affront to others, and have no bearing on the competence, skills and intelligence of a person. Randa Abdel-Fattah affrontbearcompetence share on social
With my human rights advocacy, that's always been through my writing. I've always tried to write articles and contribute to journals and a lot of online journals - about human rights, especially Palestinian human rights. I find the time to do things to do things I'm passionate about, because I find enjoyment in them. I just have to juggle. Randa Abdel-Fattah advocacyarticlecontribute share on social
To the Muslim woman, the hijab provides a sense of empowerment. It is a personal decision to dress modestly according to the command of a genderless Creator; to assert pride in self, and embrace one's faith openly, with independence and courageous conviction. Randa Abdel-Fattah assertcommandconviction share on social
My family are observant Muslims, but I've come to the faith through an intellectual conviction, and that's something that they've taught me. It's never been forced upon me. They've given me a very strong identity as an Australian Muslim. Randa Abdel-Fattah australianconvictionfaith share on social
We are, at almost every point of our day, immersed in cultural diversity: faces, clothes, smells, attitudes, values, traditions, behaviours, beliefs, rituals. Randa Abdel-Fattah attitudebehaviourbelief Change image and share on social
I wasn't rebellious. Other friends had far stricter parents and where there wasn't a relationship of respect and communication, they were usually the opposite; kids go to the other extreme. Randa Abdel-Fattah communicationextremefriend Change image and share on social
I've always loved writing, and the impulse for me is storytelling. I don't sit down and think: 'What political message can I sell?' I love the creativity of it. Randa Abdel-Fattah creativityhaveimpulse Change image and share on social
In a multicultural, diverse society there are countless ways in which people negotiate the everyday lived experience and reality of diversity. Randa Abdel-Fattah countlessdiversediversity Change image and share on social
If I like a book, I tend to read the author's entire collection. But I choose mainly through personal recommendations, general word of mouth and book reviews. Randa Abdel-Fattah authorbookchoose Change image and share on social
For me, religious festivals and celebrations have become an important way to teach my children about how we can transform living with diversity from the superficial 'I eat ethnic food', to something dignified, mutually respectful and worthwhile. Randa Abdel-Fattah celebrationchilddignify share on social