Saudi Gazette report JEDDAH — The importance of educating women for the betterment of society was emphasized at the graduation ceremony for Effat University here last week. Held under the patronage of Princess Lulwa Al-Faisal, the event saw the graduation of women from diverse majors such as Psychology, Engineering, English and Translation, and Business Administration. Keynote speaker for the event was Thoraya Obaid, who currently serves as a Shoura (Consultative) Council member as well as Executive Director for the United Nations Fund of Population and Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations. She spoke of the travail of girls' education while she was pursuing her bachelor's degree. She thanked King Faisal, who was instrumental in establishing education for women in 1962, for providing her with a full scholarship to study in the United States, making her the first Saudi woman to do so. Obaid said: “I dedicate this graduation to not only the students present here, but to all fathers, brothers and husbands, who have stood by their women as they made their own decisions. My father and I both had a dream for me — of having equal opportunities as my brothers. My father interpreted the first word revealed in the Qu'ran, ‘Iqra,' as an indication to educate all children, regardless of gender.” She explained that one of the greatest challenges of her professional life was to assert her identity as a Muslim Arab and Saudi Arabian national, in an environment that had its own stereotypes of what this meant. “My case is not unique. There are numerous cases in my own country, and in other countries with similar cultural settings. We just need to identify these experiences and demonstrate that supporting women and their rights can only strengthen society's fabric. For this, it is also important that society enacts its duties and ensures full enjoyment of the rights of its people,” said Obaid. While congratulating the fresh graduates, Haifa Reda Jamal Al-lail, President of Effat University expressed her appreciation of students active in hosting events such as ‘Ignite' and ‘Kun Mohammedian.' Valedictorians for the classes of Fall 2012 and Spring 2012 were Sana Abdul Salam and Sumeyra Ustaoglu respectively. While Abdul Salam highlighted the need to build on strengths and work on weaknesses even after graduation, Ustaoglu emphasized the importance of using education to serve others. Other notable speakers at the event included Sarah Al-Harthy, the student government president, and Nada Radwan, president of the Effat Alumni Association. After receiving their dgrees, students proudly tossed their graduation caps in the air.
