Samia Taoulost is a passionate women’s rights advocate who was born and raised in Morocco. While working full-time as a Manager at the University Of Miami School Of Medicine’s International Medicine Institute, she is completing her graduate studies in International Administration with a focus on Gender, Global Health, and Development. Outside her work and studies, Samia is very active in the community. A former Young People For (YP4) Fellow and current Starting Block Fellow, she was appointed by the Mayor of North Miami Beach to serve as a Board Member on the city’s Commission on the Status of Women. Samia believes that transparency, accountability, an informed citizenry, and diversity of perspectives are critical ingredients necessary for a flourishing democracy. Fluent in English, French, Spanish and Arabic, she enjoys photography, swimming and spending time with friends and family.
Samia Malik-Taoulost – Issue Analyst
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The status of women in Manipur: A lesson for the US
Thanks to the effective Search Engine Optimization, a Google search of “Manipur” generates the perception of a perfect exotic destination called by many the “Switzerland of India” or “land of jewel” where beautiful women wear colorful dresses and dance to the serene melodies of traditional songs. But searching further, Manipur soon loses this enchanting image and gains one of a conflict-stricken and highly militarized area where women live in terror of dying or losing a husband, a son or a father. Manipur is a remote state located in … [Read more...]
Occupy: Not perfect but working for a more perfect union
When asked about their agenda's uniqueness, Republican candidates seem to cheerfully deflect the question by lamenting Americans’ disenchantment with congress and current administration. Indeed, more than 50% of Americans are disappointed but not solely by Obama's policies but over politicians' performance in general. Reasons are several. One that quickly comes to mind was passionately and rightfully denounced in our streets by Americans of all ages, races and backgrounds: the rising income inequality; “the wealthiest one percent continue to increase … [Read more...]
Will cutting foreign aid help us balance our federal budget?
With over 33 million people living with HIV worldwide and 60% who remain without access to anti-retroviral treatment, it is quite disheartening and disappointing to hear public statements made by aspiring presidential candidates over the potential gains of a reduced foreign aid budget or worse even, a “Zero-Aid Strategy.” In the midst of a blind race for public support and for an outward image of a nation-savior, politicians have, unsurprisingly, exploited Americans’ misperceptions of US foreign aid and of its real budget. In a recent poll … [Read more...]
Current Debate on Foreign Aid: What’s in it for women?
Consider these facts: Every minute, one woman dies from a pregnancy-related complication Every day, 1500 women die from complications of pregnancy and childbirth Every year, approximately half a million women die from maternal causes 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries Now consider the major killers: Severe bleeding Infections and Hypertensive disorders Obstructed labor Complications due to unsafe abortions Pre-pregnancy untreated diseases such as malaria, anemia and HIV. Lack of access to adequate … [Read more...]
Gender-Based Violence and its Patriarchal Roots: Case in Kenya
We hear of the atrocities committed in Uganda, Darfur and Somalia but very little about Kenya; except perhaps that it is in a better shape than most of its African neighbors. That changed when in May 13, Huffington Post published its article about “Beading,” stunning readers with its graphic details of the sinister cultural tradition practiced by Kenya’s Samburu tribe. Through this practice, girls as young as six are engaged to a male relative and are allowed to have sexual relations. Pregnancy is not allowed as members of the tribe firmly believe … [Read more...]
