Egyptian Government Called to Finally Halt Sexual Assaults Against Women

Two years after the revolution in Egypt, sexual assaults against women are rising and becoming more violent, says several human rights organizations.

A recent New York Times piece created a storm of reactions with it’s portrayal of the dangers to women in Egypt since the Arab Spring. According to the story, at least 18 rapes ocurred on the second anniversary of the revolution, and Tahir square, the symbol of freedom, has “become a no-go zone for women, especially after dark.” The Times article goes on to describe the increased level of violence of these assaults.

They state: “In the 18 confirmed attacks that day, six women were hospitalized, according to interviews conducted by human rights groups. One woman was stabbed in her genitals, and another required a hysterectomy.”

Women’s rights are fundamental human rights and environmental concerns. As the world reacts to the rise in assaults on women in Egypt, it’s going to take more than rhetoric to halt sexual assaults and violence against women.

Amnesty International has joined the voices demanding that effective and meaningful change occurs in Egypt to protect women from sexual assault.

In their 28 page report, they interview seven Egyptian activists working to ensure women’s rights in Egypt. These include Mary Daniel and Azza Hilal Ahmad Suleiman, who are both seeking justice for protesters that have been killed or injured. Engy Ghozlan, Azza Suleiman and Amina Agami are working to protect and defend women from violence, and combat sexual harassment. Manal Tibe is dedicated to defending the right to housing and Ayesha Amin focuses on on-line support for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people in Egypt.

How is this related to the environment?

Without exception, every major human rights organization, from Amnesty International, the World Health Organization, and World Pulse to the Association for Women’s Rights in Development point to the clear connection between women’s rights and the advancement of sustainable, safe and successful civilization.

The International Women’s Health Coalition’s stance is unequivocal on this.

“The right of women to control their sexuality—the basis for sexual rights—is an indivisible part of their human rights, and that without it, women cannot fully realize their other human rights. This notion has been reaffirmed at several subsequent international meetings, but in practice, few countries’ laws and policies provide women with effective protection against coercion, discrimination, and violence, and fundamentalist states and movements all over the world consistently target women’s sexual and reproductive autonomy.”

While exact numbers are hard to come by, untold numbers of women and girls in the Middle East living under totalitarian regimes encounter rape, virginity tests, domestic abuse, honor killings, mutilation and other forms of gender-based violence on a regular basis. Amnesty Internationals call asks the leaders of Egypt to once and for all alleviate these injustices in the region’s largest country.

Source: Green Prophet