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Elahe Amani

This interview is the third part of the series of interviewes Elahe Amani, Chair of the Women’s Intercultural Network ( WIN ) conducting with the board members of WIN. The first interview was with Dr. Gail James and the second interview was with Charlie Toledo.

Catherine, you have a reputation for having a strong commitment to leveling the field for women and marginalized groups locally and globally, what motivates you to be an agent of change? 

I have always had a strong sense of what is right and wrong.  Even as a child I would defend children that were bullied based on what was just.  This sense of justice was instilled in me by my grandparents who were involved in defending the rights of those who were in power felt they could exploit.  My attitude has always been if two individuals on the same footing want to battle over something so be it.  However, if a person in a powerful position seeks to take advantage or disadvantage someone who does not have the resources to defend themselves or object, I have an issue.   I am fortunate enough to have lived internationally for many years in a number of countries which taught me to understand multiple perspectives.  I also believe that those in power do not know what is best or what works for everyone.  My goal is to strive and help create a society where everyone has a voice and where the value of an idea, solution or thought is not based on the societal position of the person who expressed it.

You have brought your knowledge and expertise to the Women Intercultural Network.When and how did you connect with WIN?

I am extremely fortunate to count Charlie Toledo, a former Chair of WIN, as one of my dearest friends and mentors.  Charlie and I met in Napa California over thirty years ago, and in my younger years especially, Charlie provided me with guidance and very wise counsel. Over the years, Charlie shared WIN’s mission and the work WIN was involved.  I remember Charlie sharing her experiences in Beijing, Mexico, Afghanistan and Africa with me over the years.  Once I was established in New York, Charlie approached me about coming on to the Board at WIN since my work and private life continued to be focused on social justice.  It is an honor to be on the Board of WIN and work with such a dedicated and sincere group of women.  A truly humbling experience and I continue to learn from the exceptional women of WIN.

As a seasoned civil rights lawyer, what are the human rights/women’s rights that are at stake in the US?

The issue that keeps me up at night is the undoing of the civil rights of all members of all protected classes under Federal Law.  We have already seen for example, Title IX that provided protection for women in educational programs that received Federal funding.  The classic example is universities providing funding for women’s sports not just men’s and the right for students to be free from sexual harassment on campus.  These protections extend to employees at educational institutions as well.  The Supreme Court recently gutted Title IX by prohibiting emotional damages to a Plaintiff that file pursuant to Title IX, greatly weakening the deterrence factor and failing to make a plaintiff whole under the law.  We have seen the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade, which will now have significant negative outcomes for women up to and including death.  Most recently we have the reversal on affirmative action and we have seen significant decision in federal and State courts rolling back the right for the LGBTQ community.  My greatest fear is that the current Supreme Court is headed in a direction where they could conceivable overrule long standing precedent that outlaws discrimination by private entities through the Commerce Clause of the United States Constitution.  A few years ago this would have been inconceivable, however that is not where we are today.  I think the greatest lesson we can learn for the recent years is that progress on an issue is not necessarily permanent and that regression will occur if those who believe in a society based on equity do not stay vigilant.  In the context of civil rights in the United States, we have won a series of battles, not the war, and now those rights are under attack again.

You have a history of fighting racism, while working for ERASE Racism drafted new fair housing laws with enforcement systems that were enacted in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in January 2007. In your opinion, what are the challenges we still face in this country to erase racism?

One of the biggest challenges is understanding what racism is, how it manifests and actively challenging racial inequity when we see it.  These are uncomfortable conversations that need to occur and a great example of where everyone’s opinions regarding solutions must be heard, especially those who are most greatly affected.  The history and invidiousness of racism is something that must be taught in school. Learning from the mistakes and inequities of the past is essential to the growth of a civil society.     One of my greatest concerns is that with cultural divisiveness and social isolation on the increase, white nationalism is taking a stronger root which only leads to violence and has no place in a civilized society. Exposure to other cultures and perspectives are essential to the eradication of racism and any form of prejudice.

You are an educator and have contributed to several universities including but not limited to teaching a course in “Law, Culture, and Difference”. While we value inclusion in the workplace, what are the gaps between what We claim and our actions and deeds in the workplace? As a civil rights lawyer, how can we close the gaps between laws and the dominant discourse in culture of discrimination and lack of true inclusivity?

The issue here is really about real institutional change and inclusion.  The best way to achieve this is to shake up the board room and include women and individuals from other marginalized communities in decision making processes and management.  When a business is diverse, the profit margins grow as new markets open.  As business understand this, then it becomes a win/win.  It is not the zero sum game where one has to be divested for the other to succeed.  All individuals should receive training and professional development to allow them to grow, advance and feel valued in their employment.  It is simply good business.

Women’s Intercultural Network is holding the signature event of WIN this year on “Pushing Back on the Pushback” in Iran, Afghanistan, and the US. As a board member, As a board member, what are your thoughts and reflections on this topic?

From my perspective, the most important issue is for women to support women and learn from each other.  There is strength in numbers and we must not become divided by other differences.  We need to have honest conversations, learn about the needs of other women in other communities/cultures and provide the support each community of women identifies in the form that the women from each community identifies as their need.  Listen then provide in accordance to what is communicated.

You like opera, what is your favorite?

La Triviata is my favorite.  I am a Puccini/Verdi fan.  Unless of course it was Carmen with Jessye Norman, may she rest in peace!