CANCELED: Authors & Asia: Nina Ansary, "Jewels of Allah"
VIEW EVENT DETAILSIn collaboration with Brazos Bookstore and His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled. If you have purchased a ticket in advance, our Patron Services team will contact you directly.
"A well-documented and persuasively written examination of the change in Iranian women’s status under the country’s secular and religious governments… maintains an engaging tone that makes it easy for casual readers to follow the arguments." — Kirkus Reviews
Inspired by Nina Ansary’s scholarly journey, Jewels of Allah is a provocative roller coaster ride that shatters the stereotypical assumptions and the often-misunderstood story of women in Iran today. Highlighting many courageous female leaders and advocates throughout Iran’s history, the book illuminates the unanticipated consequences of the Islamic Revolution and the unexpected twists and turns leading to a full-blown feminist movement within a post-revolutionary patriarchal society. Social media and public relations advisor Yasamin Beitollahi will be in conversation with the author.
Following the program, Ansary will visit with guests and sign books. Brazos Bookstore will sell Jewels of Allah on site, and copies can be reserved in advance through their website for pickup at the event. Asia Society Members receive a 10% discount on in-store book purchases.
Related Links
The New York Times: 6 pervasive misconceptions about Iranian women
Los Angeles Magazine: With Jewels of Allah, Nina Ansary Challenges the History of Women in Iran
About Nina Ansary
Nina Ansary left Tehran, Iran, at the onset of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and has not returned since. Growing up in New York City, she received her B.A. in Sociology from Barnard College and her M.A. in Middle Eastern Studies and PhD in History both from Columbia University. In 1996, Nina moved to Los Angeles to pursue her passion for humanitarian causes. An avid philanthropist, she serves on the Middle East Institute Advisory Board at Columbia University, on Columbia University’s Global Leadership Council, the Board of Trustees of the Iranian American Women’s Foundation, and the Advisory Board of the Pacific Youth Foundation. Nina is an elected member of the Everychild Foundation and the Pacific Council on International Policy, and a member of the American Association of University Women, the National Organization for Women, and the U.S. National Committee for U.N. Women. She is a regular contributor to The Daily Beast, The Huffington Post, and Women’s eNews. She is one of the Top Influencers on Iran on Twitter.
About Yasamin Beitollahi
Yasamin Beitollahi was born in Shiraz, Iran. The daughter of a former fighter pilot for the Imperial Iranian Air Force, she left Iran in 1979 and has not returned since. Yasamin Beitollahi is a marketing professional, contributor for The Huffington Post, and advocate for gender equality. She runs a boutique digital marketing firm, advising numerous nonprofits, including TEDGlobal and Habitat for Humanity.
Bank of America is the presenting sponsor of performing arts and cultural programs, with generous support from the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance and Mickey Rosenau & Dr. Ellen Gritz. Lead support is provided by the Cullen Trust for the Performing Arts, The Clayton Fund, and the Favrot Fund. ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips are the presenting sponsors of business & policy programs, with lead support from United Airlines and East West Bank. Support is also provided by Friends of Performing Arts & Culture and Friends of Business & Policy, premier groups of individuals and organizations committed to bringing the best in public programming to Houston. This program is presented in collaboration with Brazos Bookstore and His Highness the Aga Khan Council for the Southwestern United States.
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Event Details
1370 Southmore Blvd Houston, TX 77004 713.496.9901