Christine Samandarihakim

Original trained as a sociologist and social anthropologist whereby she obtained her undergraduate, graduate and Ph.D. degrees and the professions which she exercised.

- Manokriti Bedi

Whilst preparing for a more academic life and a post of curator for a museum the circumstances of life made out of her an author, a human rights activist, a promoter of peace and reconciliation between conflicting and warring people. Recently an entrepreneur with L’Opéra, the authentic French bakery.

Tell us a little bit about your own personal path of empowerment?

Strange as it may seem, this was the most natural thing in the environment I was brought up. My mother was a Parisian artist painter who married a medical doctor from a different continent and who followed him to what seemed at that time an exotic destination and my father, a Baha’i doctor, university professor and founder of several medical and educational institutions a sincere adept of the equality of men and women.

Growing up in such a family and having seen many remarkable women around me and moreover having studied in Paris at the University of Nanterre where the modern French revolution of 1968 started, my path to empowerment was all traced. I only needed to find the necessary inner strength, inspiration and determination and then tread the path and start the journey. The tragic circumstances of the assassination in Iran of my father, a universally recognised and respected humanist, academician, scientist and benefactor due to his religious beliefs and deep convictions was the trigger which set everything in motion.

What kind of support do you receive from your family & in-laws as well?