Not Created Equal: An Immigrant Muslim Woman's Pursuit of Equality in her Family, the Army and Ameri
(eBook)

She suffered domestic violence and cultural discrimination. Can she build a new life as a single mom and military officer? Mona Johnson dreamed of a world where a Muslim woman could be treated as an equal. After escaping a politically divided Egypt, she and her family lived in exile in Saudi Arabia before immigrating to the US in 1960. But assimilating into American culture was far from easy, as she and her family experienced unending discrimination compelling them to change their name in order to blend in with society. As a young adult, the traditional values of Mona's heritage clashed with her pursuit of being a modern feminist. Giving in to her mother's wishes, she became trapped in a seven-year, abusive marriage. Forced to endure reprehensible acts of mental and emotional abuse, to include physical attacks, she eventually broke away with her two daughters and with her father's encouragement, began a career in the Army Nurse Corps. Defying years of prejudice and gender inequality, Johnson became most likely the first immigrant Arab-Muslim woman to serve in the US Armed Forces and rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel. In this unflinching memoir, Johnson shares for the first time her heartbreaking and joyful journey. Drawing from her experiences as a single parent, army officer, and Muslim, she demonstrates incredible perseverance traversing Middle-Eastern and Western societies. Not Created Equal: An Immigrant Muslim Woman's Pursuit for Equality in her Family, the Army and America follows a fearless quest to conquer Islamic stereotypes and bias in two cultures. If you like stories of underestimated American women, then you'll love Mona Johnson's revealing memoir. Her captivating story of independence, courage and relentless determination will inspire and empower all to never stop fighting for equality.