Round Tables
The WMF held a roundtable session on May 9th, 2001 on the subject of “The Nature of Women and Men” -- which constitutes the first in a series of roundtable sessions on similar subjects. A number of researchers in different disciplines were invited to present their points of view in response to a working paper that had been prepared earlier by WMF in which the issue was raised and specific themes put forth to be discussed by the participants. The speakers were: Ahmed Abdallah, Lecturer of Psychology in Zagazig University; Adel Abu Zahra, Professor of Behavioral Sciences in the Arab Academy of Science, Technology, and Naval Transportation; Malak Rushdi, Lecturer of Social Sciences at the American University in Cairo; Heba Raouf Ezzat, Assistant Lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Political Science at Cairo University; and Sahar Sobhi, Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Arts, Cairo University, and WMF general coordinator. Omaima Abou-Bakr, coordinated the session and steered the discussion. Ahmed Abdallah approached the subject from the point of view of social upbringing and its role in nurturing human faculties and capabilities. Adel Abu Zahra talked about confusing “nature” and “social stereotype” that is constructed historically and culturally. Malak Rushdi presented a number of modern social theories on gender relations. Then Heba Raouf put forth the view that discussing human nature in general or the human common” among people – for example the concept of general citizenship and how it is shaping our societies – is a priority at this point in time over considering women’s or men’s nature. Finally, Sahar Sobhi presented the historical dimension to the concept of “nature”, its development especially in the west, and its relation to the evolution of “scientific racism”. Following the presentations, a lively discussion took place among the audience, in the form of questions, comments, and challenges. WMF intends to print the presentations and the discussions in its series of “Papers of Memory”.
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