NAdine

Nadine is one of the first subjects of the Global Women Project painting series. She is the host of a popular TV show in the Middle East titled “Musawat” (“Equality”). She also works on women’s issues with journalists and politicians throughout the Middle East, Europe and the USA. These women are actively trying to change conditions around the world.

Nadine is passionate about her cultural heritage in many aspects. One that she shared during our interview was a cup of Arab coffee. Its unique Arabian flavor was paired with dates, cardamom, saffron, and clove. She labored over the coffee ritual in a process that was both artistic and beautiful. It was the best coffee I had ever tasted.

A few years back Nadine talked publicly about the need for change and that we don’t have the time to change slowly. In a world with the internet and technology moving at such a fast pace, those thoughts of rapid change remain ever present today.

The modern world has been tough on these deep tribal roots and women have evolved. Regarding the Saudi culture Rashi Hifzi points out, “Women aren’t allowed to be in a room alone with a man who isn’t their father, husband, or brother. Women are not allowed to drive…Still, only about one in twenty Saudi women work outside the home.”

On a positive note she continued, “Saudi women own nearly 70 percent of bank accounts and 20 percent of private companies in the kingdom. We’re working to lobby for women to participate in the elections…to have more seats in the municipality, to present women issues, to present family issues.”