Home > Events/Training > Speakers Series: Islam, Gender, and Reproductive Health Speakers Series: Islam, Gender, and Reproductive Health—Part II October 2004, Washington, DC Featured speakers: Dr. Asma Barlas Professor of Politics, Ithaca College Dr. Homa Hoodfar Professor of Anthropology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec Dr. Barlas focused on patriarchal differences discussed within the Quran and Sharia regarding sexual (in)equality. She discussed perspectives on her native Pakistan and provided comparisons with other Islamic countries. Dr. Hoodfar addressed gender roles and personal status law in Egypt and Iran as they relate to family planning and education. Both commented on topics such as polygamy, young age of marriage, gender preference, and honor killings. The speakers series is sponsored by The Middle East Program and Environmental Change and Security Project at The Woodrow Wilson International Center, in partnership with USAID's Office of Population and Reproductive Health and the Interagency Gender Working Group. For more information, contact Jillian Frumkin at mep@wwic.si.edu.