Dr. Nawal Nour was awarded the 2008 Muslim Scholar and Entrepreneur Award Monday evening for her contributions in researching health and policy issues regarding female genital cutting. Nour, who is an obstetrician and gynecologist, is a professor at Harvard Medical School. The award was presented by Provost John Etchemendy Ph.D. ‘82.

According to a press release, Nour directs the Obstetric Resident Practice and the African Women’s Health Center at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. This center focuses on both physical and emotional needs of women who have had or undergone female genital cutting.

Nour’s award is sponsored by the Muslim Student Awareness Network and the Islamic Society at Stanford. Her work, along with that of the African Women’s Health Magazine, have been featured in such publications as The New York Times, Oprah’s O Magazine, CNN, BBC radio, Essence Magazine and NPR.