Creating Shamsiyah - Empowering the Saudi Feminist Movement

As result of recent events and continual unrest in the Middle East, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the most intriguing countries in the world. Adding to the intrigue, Saudi Arabia's self-imposed isolationism limits the amount of true information written about the Kingdom, its people, and their values. From 1991-2001, Teresa McCown had the unique opportunity to experience the "inner circle" (as coined by best-selling author, (Jean Sasson) of a Saudi Arabian royal family. First as the English tutor for the princess' children and later as the director for an educational learning center for Saudi women, Teresa shared ten years with her royal family and the Saudi women that very few westerners have ever experienced. Soon after her return to the United States in the summer of 2001, Teresa knew that she should step out publicly and tell of the daily experiences she had during her ten years life in the Kingdom. She began this mission in her first memoir, Shifting Sands: Life in Arabia with a Saudi Princess. As the only author to ever write about the personal lives of Saudi royalty and women from personal experience, Teresa broadened her educational message to include speaking to various civic, religious, academic, and social organizations in an effort to dispel common misnomers about the Kingdom and its women. To date, Teresa and her timely topic have been well received by over 275 organizations in seven states. Teresa's mission and story continue in her sequel, Creating Shamsiyah: Empowering the Saudi Feminist Movement. Creating Shamsiyah shares the personal growth and deep friendship between Teresa and Princess Madawi, while documenting for future's sake the events and the vision behind the first educational learning center for women in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.