Page 34 - Issue 26

Vol.1 Issue 26, December 2020 ELITE

The fight is not over, it's not too late,

Speak up and raise awareness

Nayera Cherif Sabry, 3rd level, political science

Actually, women ’s status in Egypt has always been a contentious And also, while reporting on the breaking news, other very
topic, most of the time some people, mainly women, are renowned Egyptian talk show hosts such as Sherif Amer, Ramy
assuming that Egypt is the worst place women might live in. Radwan, Sayed Ali, have all voiced out their support and made it
Women always dream of spending their lives peacefully, wish to clear that sexual harassment and rape are never a woman ’s fault.
go out whenever they want, have a night walk, wear whatsoever I would like to add that it's only about public figures using their
they want without thinking twice if this is really acceptable. But platforms, we all are responsible, women should support women
we can deeply feel the change when it came to the arrest of that and have each others' back. Men should be louder than women,
harasser student "Ahmed Bassam Zaki". I remember how the as we ’re in a masculine society men should take an action,
power that these girls had to speak up about their cases, have protect women and let her know that she has not to feel shame,
made our hearts happy and impressed because as known here in she ’s a strong hero. Parents too should be aware, please educate
Egypt, girls are always silenced even by their families because your kids to know their values, surround them with love and
they ’re worried about not believing them or losing their peace. You, as parents, can prevent sexual violence by being a
reputation. We can say that since then, a lot of changes had role model for respectful behavior to your children, by talking
happened concerning women. This issue has filled hearts with with them, about healthy sexual development and personal
anger, hate, and sadness. The power of social media has raised boundaries, and definitely by intervening and speaking up when
hopes in all of us and we felt that the change is coming. Social you see inappropriate behavior. You, reading this right now, can
media has helped so many girls to speak up and help them know make a difference. It ’s an incredible period, I don't think I have
that their voices matter, also the media has played a remarkable seen so many people talk about gender-based violence, women's
role in bringing the story of that arrested student to light. The rights, and gender inequality. You owe the power to talk, It won't
National Council of Women was also quick to take action and help anyone to continue being silent, but talking about it honestly
they submitted a report to the public prosecutor, according to undoubtedly will. When we stand up for what we believe in, the
their official Facebook page to investigate all the incidents magic really happens. So, here it is for anyone being harassed
reported on Assault Police. The Council urged young women to and is afraid to talk about it, don ’t be.
file complaints against the young man" to receive, according to
the law, the justice he deserves. They also confirmed that their
office is prepared to provide all the required assistance and
psychological help to victims. We noticed significant changes,
we found that the Prime minister amended the Egyptian law to
provide increased protection for the identities of sexual assault
victims. Also Al Azhar Elsharif, On July 4, has released a
statement refusing to blame the victim. "Women's clothing is not
an excuse to attack their privacy, liberty, and reputation. All
institutions under the Ministry of Youth and Sports to receive
anti-harassment training. In addition, a hotline came out for
women in Egypt to call in case of harassment, rape, etc. That ’s
not the only encouragement women had gotten, besides some
actors, politicians, TV presenters, and others supporting women a
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