Jousting
Journalist Activating Cultural Awareness
Born in Pakistan, Raheel
Raza received her primary and secondary education in convent schools before
graduating from University of Karachi, majoring in English and Psychology.
Growing up in a culture where women were supposed to be seen and not heard,
Raheel, nevertheless, combatted such attitudes and participated in drama,
debating, and writing contests throughout her formative years. In 1979,
Raheel and her husband, Sohail, and their family, moved to the United Arab
Emirates where Raheel was invited to work with the Ruler of Sharjah to
develop tourism. As the only Asian woman working for the Ruler’s Office,
Raheel gained valuable experience writing for the Khaleej Times, a leading
English newspaper in the Arabian Gulf. As the first Asian female journalist
in the area, Raheel focused on interviewing multinational women living
in the Arabian Gulf, highlighting their special talents. When both Raheel
and Sohail and their two sons, Zain and Saif, moved to Canada, 1989, Raheel
brought with her valuable experience in journalism. Now a media consultant
and freelance writer, in addition to working for the Ontario Heritage Foundation,
Raheel (she has contributed to almost every section of The Toronto Star)
addresses the many issues facing the South Asian community and Muslim women
in Canada. An experienced and exceptional public speaker, Raheel participates
in forums, seminars, conferences, and symposia as a well-known personality
who bridges the gulf between East and West. Ready to participate in dialogues
dealing with media stereotypes, gender equality, racism, discrimination,
and multiculturalism, Raheel is an active Muslim woman committed to erasing
the misconception that Islam is a rigid faith based on inequality and fundamentalism.
She is proud to wear shilwar khameez, her national dress, and argues that
mutual interfaith and understanding can only lead to better understanding
and greater harmony. In this view, Raheel and her husband visit their native
homeland, Pakistan. [Photo, courtesy Raheel Raza]
