ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- Violence against women in Egypt is on the rise, especially for 10 years, while women make great efforts to fight gender-based violence. Nubian women face double discrimination because of both their ethnicity and their gender; however, they have achieved remarkable successes despite all the challenges faced by them.

The Diwan Association offers a variety of activities for Nubian women in Egypt, providing them support, including legal psychological support, and empowering them economically.

 “We carry out activities to be in solidarity with Nubian women,” said Naglaa Abu El-Magd, head of the association's women's committee. “The association has a women’s committee that aims to promote women’s economic empowerment by organizing training courses. We teach Nubian girls and women how to make handicrafts, including designing beaded bags and other Nubian heritage crafts to preserve the heritage and culture of Nubians. Many Nubian women attended our courses and now they have their own brands and social media accounts to market their products.”

They work to preserve the Nubian culture

The association has worked for years to revive and preserve the heritage and culture of Nubians. “We have organized exhibitions and bazaars to promote the handicrafts made by Nubian women. We travel to many countries to learn about this culture because we want to transfer this culture and heritage to new generations.”

Since Naglaa Abu El-Magd was a university student, she has been working for Nubian people. “Once, I was invited by the African Union to give information about the Nubian culture and identity. I also took part in a study monitoring legislation affecting the representation in parliament. The study was based in several countries, including Jordan, Algeria, Libya, Lebanon and Palestine.”

Naglaa abu El-Magd also talked about the crises faced by Nubian women. “Like other women, Nubian women suffer from the economic crisis in the country, which causes significant increase in living costs and the additional burdens on women. They also suffer from unemployment and discrimination. Their skin color is also one of the obstacles faced by them. Despite all the challenges and obstacles faced by them, they are determined to break all stereotypes. They have achieved success in various sectors and obtained high positions.”

Naglaa Abu El-Magd believes that NGOs, public figures, and decision-makers play an important and influential role in forming an effective and ongoing social dialogue without discrimination against ethnic groups and finding solutions to the crises suffered by the people in the country.