“democracy ... is not something that occurs overnight. It is not a gift delivered on a golden tray. Democracy is a long process of fighting, challenging accepted ideas, and perpetually striving for freedom. Like a seed that has to be watered every day to become a flower, democracy needs constant attention and care.” NeedsLongIdeasCareFightingProcessChallengesAttentionDemocracyFlowerConstantStriveSeedsAcceptedGoldenTrays Author:Shirin Ebadi
“There is no "true Islam," just different interpretations. Since I brought up patriarchy, let me make one thing clear. I am not singling out men; I am addressing the issue of inequality of genders. A patriarchy does not only not accept the equality of the sexes, it also has a hard time understanding the principles of democracy and its essence. Women are the victims of this patriarchal culture, but they are also its carriers. Let us keep in mind that every oppressive man was raised in the confines of his mother's home. This is the culture we need to resist and fight.” MenMindDifferentHomeCultureFightingUnderstandingAcceptingDemocracyLet MeVictimIslamGenderInequalityHard TimesPatriarchy Author:Shirin Ebadi
“It's perfectly OK that there are certain people who do not accept Islam at all. Therefore, to announce that I am a Muslim can rub some people the wrong way. But my aim is to show that those governments that violate the rights of people by invoking the name of Islam have been misusing Islam. They violate these rights and then seek refuge behind the argument that Islam is not compatible with freedom and democracy. But this is basically to save face. In fact, I'm promoting democracy. And I'm saying that Islam is not an excuse for thwarting democracy.” PeopleAcceptingDemocracyArgumentAimIslamExcuseRefuge Author:Shirin Ebadi
“Democracy doesn't recognize east or west and democracy is simply people's will. Therefore, I do not acknowledge that there are various models of democracy; there is just democracy itself.” DemocracyVariousAcknowledge Author:Shirin Ebadi
“Democracy is not an incident that happens overnight, nor a gift that America can give to the world. It is a culture which needs peace to evolve.” WorldNeedsGivingWarHappensAmericaCulturePeaceDemocracyEvolveAnti WarAntiwarIncidents Author:Shirin Ebadi
“Democracy doesn't recognize east or west; democracy is simply people's will. Therefore, I do not acknowledge that there are various models of democracy; there is just democracy itself.” PeopleDemocracyModelsWestVariousEastAcknowledgeAcknowledgement Author:Shirin Ebadi
“The international community can't trust such a government. If the government of Iran wants the international community to believe in what it says, it should try to bring true, pure democracy into the country. The political solution to the energy issue or the nuclear case is democracy in Iran.” IfsWantShouldTryingBelieveCountryGovernmentPoliticalEnergyCommunityCasesDemocracyIssuesPureSolutionsInternationalNuclearIranInternational Community Author:Shirin Ebadi
“The younger generation is essentially idealistic. This applies to the Iranian youth as well. In addition, the youth in Iran face certain difficulties... the Iranian youth need more freedom. They are struggling for more freedom and democracy. This commands great respect.” NeedsWellsFacesCertainStruggleDemocracyGenerationsYouthDifficultyCommandIranIranianYounger GenerationIdealisticGreat Respect Author:Shirin Ebadi
