“Because we refuse to marginalize women in society in all roles that comply with sharia, we have decided, after deliberation with our senior clerics and others… to involve women in the Shura Council as members, starting from next term,” he said.  “Women will be able to run as candidates in the municipal election and will even have a right to vote.”

For many, these words seem like the Saudi leadership is playing a dangerous game of technicalities with the prevailing Sharia Law in an effort to put down the underground insurgency fighting for equality in the predominantly patriarchal society; but human rights groups are cautiously optimistic that this announcement marks the beginning of a much larger societal transformation that will ripple through many generations to come.

The real truth is, regardless of the motivation, King Abdullah has put in motion a movement that cannot be undone and will not be contained within the borders of his proud Islamic country. He may be hoping that this move will insulate his country from the unrest, protests, violence, and upheaval being experienced in surrounding regions, but in the end, this single act of equality will prove to be the defining moment of the Middle East human rights revolution and go down in history as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.” Saudi Arabia may have avoided a bloody revolution, but they did not avoid the revolution that is coming.

In 2015, when the vote is officially bestowed on women, the balance of power will shift in that region – not the power of government, but the power over the heart of the people – particularly women.  No matter how you slice it, the predominant interpretation of many of the Islamic and Shuria Laws are oppressive and abusive to women – with the intent of stifling self-expression and diminishing their worth and value – both personally and in society.

The freedom to vote and participate in government will ignite a fire in the very depths of their soul that will eventually burn through centuries-old dogma and oppression to make way for a new society built on equality for all – not just women, but all people. In this simple act women are tacitly being told that they have value – they can make a real and meaningful contribution to the political conversation; and much like the process of women’s suffrage in the Great Britain and The United States, transformation will not be quick or easy, but once it’s started, the movement will not be stopped.

History has shown us that the expression of human rights and equality is a revolutionary force that cannot be stopped until all are equal under the law. Even now, there are those in the United States who are fighting the continued expression of equality and human rights. They seem unable or unwilling to see that the movement to abolish slavery, give women the vote, end segregation and apartheid, gay marriage equality, and the end of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell are all part of the same equality wave that began at the dawn of humanity. This constantly evolving movement is at the heart of humanity and there cannot be peace in this world until all people are treated with respect, dignity, and equality.

Throughout the history of mankind every conflict, battle, and war has been the result of inequality – one side fighting the other for supremacy, dominance, and control while undermining the divine diversity that unites humanity.  That war can be physical and cost the lives of millions of innocent people, as we see every day around the world, or it can be a battle in the very heart of an individual who does not recognize that they are worth more than the abuse, oppression, and subjugation of their circumstances.

Make no mistake, the continued movement of equality will ultimately win out in the battle for the human heart. The victory in Saudi Arabia is only the first wall to crumble in a revolution that will transform humanity forever.

Steve Mesler is a three-time United States Olympian and 2010 Gold Medalist in 4-man bobsled, motivational speaker, and philanthropist who has dedicated much of his life-to-date to achieving one major goal- winning an Olympic Gold Medal.  He is now committed to sharing his experiences and the life lessons he learned while breaking a 62-year American Olympic Gold Medal drought and a 50-year American World Championship drought.

Steve has also created a brand new, innovative way for the outside world- namely Olympians and professional athletes- to use technology to communicate with America’s classrooms in his non-profit organization Classroom Champions. Classroom Champions puts the latest technology and communications tools into high-need classrooms around the United States (and eventually the world) and has garnered press from across the country, including the tech website CNet, for his efforts.  The program utilizes the symbolic power and wisdom of the top athletes in the world to teach students about goal setting, perseverance and achievement while providing them with the technological tools they’ll need for success in the 21st century.

LOOKING FORWARD

What happens in the next few weeks will be a critical indicator of how the chips will fall after this historic military action. Analysts seem to be divided on what may occur when the dust settles. Some think this will mean the end of Al Queda as we know it and the systematic oppression that comes from their radical beliefs, while others feel the death of Bin Laden will mean nothing to an organization that has evolved and fractured since the attack on U.S. soil. It’s anyone’s guess at this point, but can we dare to hope that this global shake-up will lead to a shift in equality and human rights in the Middle East and beyond?

Time will tell what shifts and changes in the world as a result of this death, but one thing is known for sure, the future will be written by those who step into the void and chart a new path in the region. Whoever stands up to take up the leadership position made vacant by Osama will undoubtedly set the tone for an entire region.

A TIME OF TRANSITION

It is in these times of transition that true and meaningful change can take place. Those few precious moments of upheaval open the door for new voices, ideas, and leaders to step in and shape the dialogue for change. For more than 20 years, Osama Bin Laden was a key voice in setting the tone and direction of an entire culture. Governments, groups, and organizations took queues from his speeches, conversation, and rhetoric to shape an entire region – and history has born witness to the results.

Encouraging a voice of reason, respect, and compassion during this time of transition may very well change everything about the course of the future for an entire region of this world. Peace-loving individuals from around the globe have an obligation to fill the void left by the passing of Bin Laden with cries for change, equality, respect, compassion, and human rights.

ENDING THE PLAGUE OF FEAR

So the weight of change falls to those of us with the vision to see an opportunity to change the dynamic of this fear-based conversation and usher in a new reality for millions of people who have ever only known oppression, fear, and war. Action groups, service organization, social networks, and charities can step into this transition and start writing a new future with compassion, love, and giving.

It is the unconditional service to mankind that will end this plague of fear that has ravaged much of the world for the past millennium. Putting the care and compassion for our fellow human beings at the forefront of our consciousness, and foreign policy will make the biggest impact in this time of change for the region. Rebuilding lives, cities, and infrastructure will do so much more to heal the divisions of humanity than wars, fear mongering, and hatred.

THE SPRINGTIME OF CHANGE

May we all see the opportunity to change the world in the death of Osama Bin Laden. His passing represents a door that has been pushed ajar for a brief moment through which new ideas, attitudes, and actions may reshape the future. It is up to all of us to be part of shaping that future.

Reach out to your leaders and urge compassion, service, and rebuilding. Connect with friends and family to take action locally that supports our global neighbors in the form of clothing, food, and medicine. Get active in shaping the conversation online in the social networks and be the voice for peace, love, and charity. We must all fill the void with our tender voices for peace. If not us, than the cries of revenge, hatred, fear, and war will take over the conversation and strife will be born anew in the region.

If change is to be, it is up to me (all of us), and my committed action.

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By JASON BECKETT – Founder of the ‘I AM EQUAL’ Project.

Chris G. is passionate about many things but education holds a special place in her heart. She has dedicated her entire professional career to the causes of education, protecting children, and ensuring proper resources & attention are being given to the next generation.

Giunchigliani was born to American parents in Lucca, Italy as the oldest of six children (three girls and three boys), and grew up in Chicago, Illinois. She attended Avila College in Kansas City, Missouri and worked in retail, bartended and waitressed to pay her way through college, graduating in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in special education. After teaching special education in Shawnee Mission, Kansas for two years, Chris moved to Las Vegas, and worked her way to another degree, this time at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, earning a master’s degree in education with special emphasis on the emotionally disturbed.

She served as president of the Clark County Education Association and as president of the Nevada State Education Association. She also served in the Nevada Assembly. In 2006, she was elected to the Clark County Commission. Currently, she is a candidate for Mayor of the City of Las Vegas in 2011.

NOTE: Information for this page was gathered from WIKIPEDIA.ORG

Long-time Las Vegas mayor, Oscar Goodman took time out of his schedule to join the I AM EQUAL project and show his support for the human rights, equality, and civil liberties issues that face our communities and the people of his great city.  Although he has ruffled feathers and is considered by many to be a controversial public official, Mayor Goodman is much loved by his city and has come to represent the unique flavor of this dessert oasis.