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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of visibility and engagement in activism over traditional practices like wearing a veil.
Tawakkol Karman reflects on her decision to remove the veil as a necessary step for her involvement in activism and public life. She believes that to influence and connect with people, one must be visible and approachable, challenging the notion that traditional practices should dictate personal choices in the pursuit of social change.
In practice
In a speech about women's rights, this quote can illustrate the struggle between tradition and modern activism.
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 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.
The price of freedom is the willingness to do sudden battle anywhere, any time and with utter recklessness.
The six of us gathered at my house, and we walked to the polls. I'll never forget it. Not a Negro was on the streets, and when we got to the courthouse, the clerk said he wanted to talk with us. When we got into his office, some 15 or 20 armed white men surged in behind us - men I had grown up with, had played with.
It had been happy for me if I could have lived a private life in peace and plenty, enjoying all the happiness that results from a well-tempered society founded on mutual esteem. But the injury done my country, and the chains of slavery forging for all posterity, calls me forth to defend our common rights, and repel the bold invaders of the sons of freedom.
The first principle of non-violent action is that of non-cooperation with everything humiliating.
Ali’s got a left, Ali’s got a right, if he hits you once, you’re asleep for the night
The black press, some liberal sportswriters, and even a few politicians were banging away at those Jim Crow barriers in baseball. I never expected the walls to come tumbling down in my lifetime.
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