News Archive

An Afghani woman parliamentarian who has survived assassination attempts and is on Time Magazine's 100 most influential people list will speak at a conference marking the 10th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States.

Malalai Joya , a secular Muslim critical of fundamentalists in the Taliban and the northern alliance, will speak at 9/11 Ten Years On:  Rebuilding Harmony, to be held at The University of Western Australia on Sunday 11 September 2011 10am to 3pm at the University Club.  The other speakers are:

Aleisha Woodward , US Consul General in Perth.  Prior to this appointment, she completed a master's program in national security strategy at the US National War College at Fort McNair in Washington DC.  She served as the Press and Cultural Attaché at the US embassy in Moldova, a Consular Officer in London, and a Public Diplomacy Officer at the Tokyo American Center, coordinating conferences and seminars on American society and foreign policy-related topics.

Marina Mahathir, eldest child of the fourth Prime Minister of Malaysia , Tun Mahathir Mohammad .  She is well known as a leader in many non-governmental organisations such as the Malaysian AIDS Foundation and is currently an active socio-political blogger.

Jarrod McKenna, internationally recognised speaker, peace award recipient, blogger and activist based in Perth and a new addition to the Christian Engagement Team at World Vision Australia.

John Cleary, presenter of Sunday Nights on ABC local Radio.  He has been described as 'one of Australia's leading commentators on religious affairs'.

Debra McDougall , Assistant Professor in Anthropology and Sociology at UWA.  She has carried out intensive long-term fieldwork in the Solomon Islands.  Her research covers many areas of social and political life in this island society.

Samina Yasmeen, Director of the Centre for Muslim States and Societies and Professor of Political Science and International Relations at UWA.  She is a specialist in political and strategic developments in South Asia (particularly Pakistan), the role of Islam in world politics, and citizenship among immigrant women.

The one-day conference is organised by UWA's Centre for Muslim States and Societies and will explore the ways in which the tragic events of 9/11 provided the impetus for greater understanding, cooperation and interaction among Muslims and others.

Registrations should be made through UWA Extension on (+61 8) 6488 2433 or online .

Media references

Naaimah Ali (Administration Assistant, Centre for Muslim States and Societies)  (+61 8)  6488 4554
Janine MacDonald (UWA Public Affairs)  (+61 8)  6488 5563  /  (+61 4) 32 637 716