Uzbekistan has a proud history as a centre of Islamic enlightenment and of scientific discoveries. Today Uzbekistan is left with Muslim symbolism. Almost eighteen years of independence ruled by decree and a slow pace of social-economic development, Islamic extremism threatens authority, statehood and erodes the independence of women. Many readers of the Koran profess that the Islamic religion recognizes the economic independence of women, but not the Islamic fundamentalists. How are the extremist voices managed? Where are women's voices? Where is civil society? Is anyone listening?

The Islamic Council of Victoria in conjunction with the National Centre of Excellence for Islamic Studies have organised a weekend course titled, 'Train the Trainers: Da'wah and Dialogue.'

Speaker: Brother Riyad Al-Adassi – a speaker at the recent Free Gaza Protest, a Palestinian nurse from Gaza with the Union of Health Work Committees – Gaza. He has been deeply involved in the health system in Gaza and is maintaining a close link with his colleagues in the beleaguered hospitals. There is no charge for this event.

Hear the keynote address given by Hon Liz Beattie, Victorian Parliamentary Secretary assisting the Premier on Multicultural Affairs, on 20 November 2008 at the NCEIS Conference "Challenges to Social Inclusion in Australia: The Muslim Experience".