EGYPT: A spate of attacks on women during demonstrations in Tahrir square has focused national attention on the endemic problem of sexual harassment in Egypt

Record ID: 335390

  • Title: EGYPT: A spate of attacks on women during demonstrations in Tahrir square has focused national attention on the endemic problem of sexual harassment in Egypt
  • Date: 10th March 2013
  • Summary: CAIRO, EGYPT (MARCH 10, 2013) (REUTERS) CARS DRIVING IN TALAAT HARB SQUARE IN DOWNTOWN CAIRO WOMEN CROSSING ROAD SHEIKH GAMAL SABER, FOUNDER OF AL-ANSAR SALAFIST PARTY, AT HIS OFFICE CLOSE OF SABER'S HAND ON COMPUTER MOUSE (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) FOUNDER OF AL-ANSAR SALAFIST PARTY, SHEIKH GAMAL SABER, SAYING: "What else does she expect when she walks down the street with tig
  • Embargoed: 25th March 2013 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Egypt
  • Country: Egypt
  • Topics: Crime,Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVABTKOX82I4CFZIT8OFA2KSGLRR
  • Story Text: Egyptian women are taking action to try and curb sexual harassment, speaking out about an issue that has been pushed under the carpet for years.
    At Cairo's crowded demonstrations, many women say they have been pushed, groped - or worse.
    And with the authorities reluctant to take action against the perpetrators, women are now taking practical steps to protect themselves.
    At a self-defence class, young women are learning about arm twists and pressure points - and how to get out of potentially dangerous situations.

    "I think it's vital for every girl or woman, whatever age. The situation here is getting worse in Egypt. It happened to my mother, it happened to my friends, all types of harassment and it's to the point where you have to look out for yourself because there isn't anyone who you can trust in the streets anymore," said Nihal Wasfy, a participant on a self-defence course.
    Many women say they have been 'finger-raped' at large gatherings and demonstrations in Cairo.
    According to repeated reports by women, the attacks are systematic, with large groups of men involved, encircling the victim and trapping her. Some of the men then pretend to help her, while in reality, they harass her further.
    Self-defence coach Rami Jerair Latchinian said it was vital for women not to go to protests alone.

    "The incidents which take place in Tahrir are usually a large group of people assaulting one person and these gangs are usually armed so it isn't easy to be taught how to defend oneself against such an attack from just one cause. But the important thing is the advice that we give them and with regards to Tahrir, we advise them not to go alone," he aid.
    According to an Egyptian Center for Human Rights report of 2008, more than 80 percent of Egyptian women have experienced sexual harassment and many do so in their everyday lives.
    But several cases of mob attacks have grabbed international headlines.
    CNN reporter Lara Logan made world news when she was attacked by a mob during the Egyptian revolution, while pictures of a woman being stripped down to her underwear and attacked by soldiers in Tahrir Square prompted outrage.
    On more than one occasion, Egyptian women have taken to the streets.

    "Our stand today is to reaffirm our demands in other protests against sexual harassment, and the right for women to participate in political life especially after the comments made by the Shura council concerning Tahrir square being a place for prostitution, and that women are responsible for being sexually harassed, and that the clothes they wear is what prevents police from defending them. They also ask why we protest if we're not able to protect our marches, even though we know that there are thugs everywhere. So I am here to tell them that if Tahrir square is in fact a place for prostitution, then policy makers in Egypt are the ones who lead this," said Fatma Sherif during a protest against sexual harassment.
    Despite the outcry, some members of Egypt's upper house have shown little sympathy.

    "What else does she expect when she walks down the street with tight, revealing clothes in a provocative way? What else can these men do? I don't want to say that it (sexual harassment) is a natural response, but they're not entirely to be blamed. This is why Islam demands that she wears a headscarf and be modest in her actions, for her own good and for her own safety. But this is just one of the factors. In addition of course, to those who are paid to wreak havoc and cause trouble in the country," said Gamal Saber, leader of an al-Ansar, a Salafist party.
    The Egyptian Penal Code stipulates that indecent assault by force or threat is punishable by hard labour for three to seven years.
    But with action rarely taken to punish the perpetrators, the problem remains widespread.
    Saber said it was all linked to a lack of moral and religious awareness.

    "There are laws (that criminalise sexual harassment). But there are also laws that combat theft, and thievery is still widespread, and why does this happen? Because there no longer exists any deep rooted Islamic values or morals in people. If these values are missing from a person's makeup, then laws won't matter, because they'll think that they can escape a crime without being caught," he said.
    During recent demonstrations to mark the second anniversary of Egypt's revolution, 19 incidents of sexual harassment were reported.
    But women's groups say they will continue their fight, determined to win the right to be treated as equals in post-revolution Egypt.
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