October 13, 2003

At a time when rights for women in many majority-Muslim countries is in an unacceptable state, and at a time where moderation and peaceful resistance to tyranny has never before been more in demand, Shirin Ebadi's example serves as an inspiration for advocates of women's rights and political freedom for Muslims around the world.

Ms. Ebadi advocates that peace and justice are Islamic values, and that there is no incompatibility between Islam and Democracy. Saying once, "We've realized that defending human rights starts with recognizing women's rights," Ebadi is an inspiration to Iranians struggling for human rights for everyone in their country.

Ms. Ebadi teaches law at the University of Tehran. She's published one work available in English, entitled, "History and Documentation of Human Rights in Iran" (New York: Bibliotheca Persica Press, 2000). She's also the author of two studies, "Tradition and Reform in Iranian Rights" (1996), "The Rights of the Child: A Study on Legal Aspects of Children's Rights in Iran" (1992). Ms. Ebadi was a judge during the Shah's reign in Iran, and spent time in prison under the Islamic Republic for "insulting public officials." She wrote of her experience in prison, "Angrily I am trying to write on the cement wall with the bottom of my spoon that we are born to suffer because we are born in the Third World. Time and place are imposed upon us. So let's be patient as there is no other choice."