I have always believed that resistance against repression and violence is possible without relying on similar repression and violence. I have always believed that human civilization is the fruit of the effort of both women and men.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the possibility of opposing oppression through peaceful means and acknowledges the collective contributions of both genders to civilization.
Tawakkol Karman's quote advocates for non-violent resistance against oppression, suggesting that true progress and civil rights can be fought for without resorting to the same forms of violence and repression that one seeks to eliminate. It also highlights the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of both women and men in the development of human civilization, reinforcing the idea that equality and unity are essential for societal advancement.
In practice
This quote could be shared during a rally advocating for peaceful protest against social injustices.
I discovered that wearing the veil is not suitable for a woman who wants to work in activism and the public domain. People need to see you, to associate and relate to you. It is not stated in my religion to wear the veil; it is a traditional practice, so I took it off.
I would like the world to know that Yemeni women are strong, and if empowered, they can achieve. The world needs to look beyond stereotypes and dress code. In our hearts, we are just human beings who want to live a dignified life. Is that too much to ask for?
I want a future where my children feel safe and appreciated and proud to be who they are. My heart is one with all the Arab Spring heroes, no matter how small they think their role is. I know they believe, like me, that we are working for a world whereby an Arab can live with the other in a respectful and dignified way.
I think it's good to be a little more fearless in saying what you feel. In not being scared of the repercussions of that.
The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.
Sir, I am not a brave man...The truth is, I am an utter craven coward. I have never been within the sound of gunshot or in sight of battle in my whole life that I wasn't so scared that I had sweat in the palms of my hands.
We’re going to foment our own revolution. So I say to the women out there in America, let’s keep this fight going! Put on your lipstick, square your shoulders, suit up, and let’s fight for a new American revolution where women are paid equal pay for equal work, and let’s end wage discrimination in this century once and for all!
I've still got to do something to help, however tiny it is. I always think of the old Hebrew saying, which is translated roughly into, 'He who saves one life saves the world,' because it's pretty ghastly to think of all the people we're not saving.
I think that racism is ugly and so unfair, and I believe that we all need one another.
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