Overview

Fascinating autobiography by the first Muslim woman, and the first Iranian, to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize In this remarkable book, Shirin Ebadi, Iranian human rights lawyer and activist, and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, tells her extraordinary life story. Dr Ebadi is a tireless voice for reform in her native Iran, where she argues for a new interpretation of Sharia law in harmony with vital human rights such as democracy, equality before the law, religious freedom and freedom of speech. She is known for defending dissident figures, and for the establishment of a number of non-profit grassroots organisations dedicated to human rights. In 2003 she became the first Muslim woman, and the first Iranian, to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. She chronicles her childhood and upbringing before the Iranian Revolution, her education and student years at the University of Tehran, her marriage and its challenges, her religious faith, and her life as a mother and as an advocate for the oppressed. As a human rights campaigner, in particular for women, children and political prisoners in Iran, her autobiography is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the life story and beliefs of a courageous and unusual woman, as well as those interested in current events (especially those of the Middle East), and those who want to know the truth about the position of women in a Muslim society.

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9781846040146

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Reviews

Ebadi's inspiring memoir offers a first-hand look at her remarkable life The Times Riveting Sunday Times One of the most remarkable resistance heroines of our dangerous times Telegraph The riveting story of an amazing and very brave woman living through some quite turbulent times. And she emerges with head unbowed Archbishop Desmond Tutu One of the staunchest advocates for human rights in her country and beyond, Ms Ebadi, herself a devout Muslim, represents hope for many in Muslim societies that Islam and democracy are indeed compatible Azar Nafisi, author of Reading Lolita in Tehran

Author Information

Born in 1947, Shirin Ebadi trained in law, obtained a doctorate from Tehran University and served as a judge from March 1969 - the first woman ever to do so in Iran. Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution in February 1979 she, and other female judges, were dismissed from their posts and given clerical duties (in Ebadi's case, in the very court she had presided over). She resigned in protest and was, in effect, housebound for many years until finally, in 1992, she succeeded in obtaining a lawyer's license and setting up her own practice. She then represented various high-profile cases of political victims, journalists, child custody cases and others until she was forced to live in exile in London.

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