Ghada Ghazal grew up in a Muslim family, her parents, particularly her father, encouraged her to be equally educated along with her brothers and enjoy all the advantages of growing and developing alongside them. Yet within the small, conservative community in Syria, the community had different expectations for her. 

In a conservative society where women were not allowed to travel alone, even to seek knowledge, she went against the traditional norms and accepted roles.  Her hometown of Hama prides itself on its religious and cultural conservativism. She received a scholarship to earn a master’s degree in the United Kingdom.  However, she would have to travel alone to accept this unique opportunity.  Although discouraged from taking this scholarship, she sought wisdom from Islamic scholars on women's roles in the Qur’an.  She wanted to be faithful to God.  After talking with the scholars, she decided that the Qur’an permitted her to travel alone to the United Kingdom.  She said that part of the reason for taking the initiative was to prove that a woman could travel, seek education, and keep her faith.  Her faith was critical in guiding her through the experience and supported her in gaining new knowledge. 

As a well-educated woman, Ghada holds a MA in Islamic Studies in Comparative Religions. Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Member of Qatar Foundation), MA in English Language Teaching for Specific Purposes. The University of Warwick, United Kingdom, Advanced Graduate Studies: Diploma in English Literature. Al-Baath University, Syria, and Bachelor in Shari’ah and Law interrupted by war in Syria as a 4th-year student. Um Durman University of Sudan, Damascus, Syria. 

Ghada has memorized the Qur’an Ijaza one of few women globally to achieve this milestone. She fights to instill the concept that Islam raises women and that it is others who abuse women.  She is fervent in her wish that women receive an education to fulfill roles in rebuilding security and peace in Syria and around the world.  In 2012, she was forced to leave her country due to the violence.  Currently, she resides in the United States, hoping to receive asylum.

Through these experiences, Ms. Ghazal understands how women are undermined and even oppressed in the name of religion.  She indicates that religion cannot be separated from society and life.  Ghada advocates for women to be educated about their religion and faith to take leadership positions and be decision-makers.   

She is a role model for young girls and women and teaches Islam and Arabic at the Al-Anduluse Institute for Islamic Studies. This institute works to empower women to become social and Islamic activists. At significant risk to herself, she hosted a group of multi-faith (Muslims, Christians, and Jews) American religious leaders in Syria.  Always an activist, Ghada utilizes her education for the empowerment of others.

Ghada works towards a future where the values and beliefs of all women are brought to bear on all levels of policy and decision-making and where women's voices are equally valued and represented.  She strives to see women in leadership roles, influencing decision-making, especially in conflict transformation.

This blog originates from a story published in The Review of Faith & International Affairs, 20 (3), 2022, pp. 89-94.