ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- NuJINHA spoke to Egyptian feminist activist Najwa Iqtifan about gender-based violence, rights violations against women and the Egyptian Personal Status law. Indicating that awareness-raising activities and campaigns are very important for women, she said, “Women learn what they should do, where they should apply and how to seek their rights when they are subjected to violence. Non-governmental organizations, particularly women's organizations, have recently made great efforts to fight all forms of violence.”

 Penalties for FGM increased

 Noting that women make great efforts to amend laws protecting women and girls, she said, “NGOs played an important role in amendments of the laws. For instance, the penalties for female genital mutilation (FGM) have been increased. However, women are still subjected to violence by their husbands, brothers and fathers. Women need laws protecting women from all forms of violence.”

 Women do not bow to violence as they gain awareness’

Pointing out that women’s organizations have an effective role in protecting women, Najwa Iqtifan said, “We need more activities and programs to strengthen women. More women should participate in decision-making positions to fight gender-based violence. The women’s organizations and NGOs play an important role in combating gender-based violence by providing legal support to women victims of violence. Women do not bow to violence as they gain awareness.”

 Mentioning the NGOs carrying out activities for women, Najwa Iqtifan said, “For instance, the Egyptian Association for Comprehensive Development carries out awareness-raising activities and projects. The association also provides psychological and legal support to women. It aims to empower women in education and the labor force by carrying out projects.”

 ‘Women need more effective mechanisms’

 Emphasizing that one of the most important means of protecting women is that the executive authorities find effective mechanisms, Najwa Iqtifan said, “When women go to police stations to report violence against them, there should be people understanding the suffering of women and knowing what they should do to protect women.”

‘The current Personal Status law must be amended’

Drawing attention to the unity and solidarity of NGOs and women’s organizations, Najwa Iqtifan said, “They must unite to combat gender-based violence. The current Personal Status Law must be amended. We will raise our voices more to have an effective implementation of the Personal Status Law and the fight against gender-based violence.”