Afghan Quote by Eleanor Smeal
“I mean, how many men would have gone on to the floor of the House as Carolyn Maloney did and wear a burkha to show the fight of Afghan women.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Congressional Hearing, United States House of Representatives, 2015
She used a bold visual protest to highlight Afghan women’s oppression, urging legislative attention and public awareness.
In simple terms: A protest used a burkha to draw attention to Afghan women’s plight.
Key Takeaway
Use symbolic actions to spotlight injustices.
Themes
activism
human rights
political protest
gender equality
Mood
determined
urgent
Type
political
inspirational
When to use this quote
- human rights rallies
- policy debates
- media campaigns
Key Concepts
symbolic protest
public awareness
legislative advocacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can symbolic protests be made more effective?
- What risks do activists face with public demonstrations?
A Different Perspective
Such gestures may be dismissed as theatrics, reducing impact.
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![“We think that Hillary [Clinton] will be a symbol and a reality for the women of the world, and it's very important because so many - so many underdeveloped countries, not the least of which is Afghanistan, the women of the world need help, and she understands those issues and is a lightning rod…” quote by Eleanor Smeal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0f2/eleanor-smeal-14458_afghanistan_we-think-that-hillary-clinton-will-be-a_414533.jpg)
![“She [Carolyn Maloney] has there day in and day out for us and for women of this country and of the world, but she also never forgets the citizens of New York, and she's been, as you know a trailblazer for 9/11, commission for, you know, the financial district, etc.” quote by Eleanor Smeal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/a2c/eleanor-smeal-14458_citizens_she-carolyn-maloney-has-there-day-in-and_672398.jpg)
![“Well it's unusual for us to do an endorsement, you know, and the special occasions where you need appointments, but we thought that Senator [Hillary] Clinton had occupied such a neat and unique role, certainly a worldwide advocate for women, and also there's also only 16 women without her in…” quote by Eleanor Smeal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8eb/eleanor-smeal-14458_appointments_well-it-s-unusual-for-us-to-do-an-endors_817437.jpg)
![“The president [Barack Obama] decided to leave more troops than he had originally planned in Afghanistan. We have a very cooperative government there, with Ashraf Ghani and his top - his top partner, Abdullah. And they are doing their very best. And the Afghan army is actually fighting. The Afghan…” quote by Hillary Clinton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/941/hillary-clinton-51_afghan_the-president-barack-obama-decided-to-le_169911.jpg)
