I've lived in the western suburbs for 26 years, the last 10 in Burr Ridge. Over those years, I've seen an increase in religious and cultural diversity in all suburbs and especially Burr Ridge. Burr Ridge can boast places of worship for Egyptian Coptic, Buddhist, Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Protestant faiths. In close geographic proximity, we can find Hindu temples and Islamic mosques. Each religious center welcomes visitors who wish to learn about their history and beliefs.

Following in those footsteps, residents of Burr Ridge and surrounding communities will have an opportunity to expand their knowledge of Islam and Muslim women at a program offered by the Hinsdale/Oak Brook Area American Association of University Women.

This local AAUW branch, drawing members from all western suburbs including Burr Ridge, will host a presentation by Dr. Joan Monego on Saturday, Nov. 13 at 10 a.m. at the Oak Brook Public Library, 600 Oak Brook Rd.

Dr. Monego has traveled to more than a dozen Muslim countries, including Egypt, Tunisia, Pakistan and China's Xinjiang Provence and will share her insights and show images from her travels. 

According to Dr. Monego, women from various Muslim countries would define Islam in different ways depending upon the countries in which they live. Some might define Islam as a culture, others as a religion.

"The emergence and political climate of a country has a significant effect upon the rights and privileges of women," says Monego. She will be discussing the issues Muslim women face in different countries and will touch on topics such as Sharia law, veiling and women's rights.

One reason for my involvement in AAUW is that both nationally and at the grassroots level, AAUW has a history of ongoing commitment to improving the status of women in all parts of the world. By supporting legislation and treaties via the AAUW public policy platform, and participation in UN-related activities, AAUW breaks through barriers so that all women have a fair chance. AAUW partners with CARE in its efforts to reduce cultural and economic barriers to girls' education around the world.

For more information about Hinsdale/Oak Brook AAUW visit their website or reserve a place at the upcoming lecture at .H.OB.aauw.reservations@gmail.com