My name is Nazih Raychouni and I am from Beirut, Lebanon. I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Georgia State University through the Fulbright Foreign Student Program. Before this, I completed my undergraduate studies in Nursing at the American University of Beirut. I also completed one year of graduate studies in Interdisciplinary Gender Studies at the Lebanese American University.
Going into my second year of this master’s program, I carry with me several highlights that made my first year enriching.
Firstly, I had the honor of being a guest lecturer in undergraduate classes on three different occasions, where I spoke about feminist topics related to Lebanon and the Arab region. Additionally, with the help of the WGSS department, I was able to participate in two conferences hosted at the University of South Carolina, where I presented on three different topics and participated in panels with my colleagues.
In March 2024, I decided to re-launch and rebrand my online sex education program. "Mish Aayb" (Arabic for No Shame) is a curriculum-based online series delivered across social media platforms. It takes a holistic approach to educating young adults and adults (13+) on the cognitive, emotional, physical, and social aspects of sexuality. This comprehensive program aims to foster a safe and inclusive space for individuals to explore and understand their own identities and relationships, promoting a healthy and informed approach to sexuality. By addressing various dimensions of the human experience, "Mish Aayb" aims to empower its audience with knowledge, resilience, and a sense of acceptance regarding diverse expressions of sexuality. This project gained recognition and was chosen by the WGSS department for the Diane Fowlkes Research Award.
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work as a Training & Technical Coordinator assistant at Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential. This experience has been invaluable in developing my skills in facilitating conversations on complex and sensitive topics such as gender, sexuality, and related social issues. Through seminars, workshops, and group discussions, I've learned to assist with GCAPP's INclued workshops, ensuring they are informative, engaging, and inclusive. It has further solidified my passion for adolescent health and community development. I also was selected as a fellow in the Youth Advocacy Program at the National Center for Civil and Human Rights. This opportunity will allow me to connect my professional aspirations with my passion for social justice. Throughout the fellowship, I will engage in key areas such as Public Health, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace, Advocacy Education, and Civil and Human Rights History.
Finally, I presented at the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential annual sex education summit, where I discussed critical issues such as current gender disparities in Lebanon. My presentation examined the legal and regulatory frameworks that perpetuate discrimination and evaluated the effectiveness of existing advocacy initiatives and policy reforms. I also emphasized the importance of comprehensive sex education in addressing these disparities and promoting gender equality.
Through my studies and professional experiences, I have developed strong skills in public speaking, curriculum development, research, advocacy, and policy evaluation. I am adept at project management and creating inclusive educational content. My experiences have enhanced my cultural competence and sensitivity, interdisciplinary collaboration abilities, and expanded my professional network. I am particularly passionate about sex education in Lebanon, and I am dedicated to making a positive impact in this field.
This master’s program is providing me with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve my aspirations. Through its interdisciplinary curriculum, rigorous academic training, and opportunities for practical application, the program equips me to engage critically with issues of gender and sexuality, conduct impactful research, and advocate for social justice effectively. As an international student, I brought a unique perspective and diverse experiences to the program, enriching classroom discussions and broadening the understanding of global gender and sexuality issues. My background allowed me to share insights on cultural nuances and challenges faced in different regions, fostering a more inclusive and comprehensive learning environment
One of the most exciting experiences I look forward to is teaching this upcoming academic year. I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained to foster an engaging and inclusive learning environment, inspire students to think critically about gender and sexuality and contribute to their academic and personal growth.