ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- Due to gender inequality, women have to struggle to get their political, social and economic rights. Making great efforts to prove themselves in all spheres of life, women are subjected to violence, gender stereotypes and discrimination.

Alia Fawzi, not her real name, is one of the women making great efforts to prove themselves. She lives in a village far from Cairo. She has struggled for 35 years to get her right to education, to work and to make decisions about her life. “Many parents seek to marry their daughters off early but I refused to get married because I wanted to continue my education. Women always struggle; they have to make more efforts than men in order to prove themselves,” she told NuJINHA.

She faces gender stereotypes in her workplace

 After years of struggle for her education, Alia Fawzi faces gender stereotypes in the workplace. “I have experienced discrimination in the workplace. I am paid less than men although I work more than them. I have worked on many international projects until now. I have to make great efforts to prove myself, my skills. I should have been promoted; however, I was told, ‘You cannot do this’. Men always have the best working conditions and they are paid more. Despite all the challenges, I will not give up my job.”

‘Women should be supported’

Nermin Issa, member of the Association of the Egyptian Female Lawyers, thinks NGOs should work together for women to get their rights. “Women face many obstacles in all spheres of life. They should keep struggling to overcome all obstacles. NGOs play an important role in changing the stereotypes against women. Women should be supported to get their rights,” Nermin Issa said.

Role of media in achieving gender equality

 Stressing the role of media in achieving gender equality and in countering gender stereotyping, Nermin Issa said, “Media and social media platforms play a leading role in developing societies. They should produce awareness-raising programs against gender stereotypes. I think the media can play an important role in countering gender stereotyping.”

‘There is no difference between women and men’

Nermin Issa thinks ensuring gender equality is necessary for social development and education is also important to achieve gender equality. “There is no difference between women and men. Women have already proved that. In 2004, the new family court system was established in Egypt. Women now can work as court clerks, prosecutors and judges. The gender stereotyping was actually countering when female lawyers were able to defend women after years.”

 

Calling on women to struggle to get equal rights, Nermin Issa said, “Women should be aware of their power and their roles in society. Now, more women participate in the labor force.”