ASMAA FATHİ

Cairo- The women’s camp held by the Association of the Egyptian Female Lawyers (AEFL) in the city of Alexandria concluded with a set of solutions and proposals against gender-based violence. NuJINHA spoke to the women participating in the camp.

Women discussed the methods combating gender-based violence

Heba Adel, member of the Association of the Egyptian Female Lawyers (AEFL) told us that the main goal of the camp was to create a network among women leaders in order to discuss solutions against gender-based violence. “One of the most important issues discussed at the camp was gender-based violence. Egyptian women and girls suffer all forms of violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage. The women participated in the camp discussed how to eliminate gender-based violence and FGM. We prepared an action plan for a 16-day campaign against gender-based violence, FGM and child marriage,” Heba Adel told us.

“Women are confined to their homes”

Stating that the association aims to support victims of gender-based violence, Heba Adel said, “Solidarity is a must to fight gender-based violence. We held this camp to strengthen the communication among women and discuss the problems faced by women. As it is known, women face social pressures due to the patriarchal mentality. Women face discrimination in the name of religious. The women are excluded from all spheres of life; they are confined to their homes. We have a long way to go in order to break gender stereotypes.”

We need laws protecting women

René Wadih Najib, member of the National Council for Women and Executive Director of the Egyptian & African Women Development Organization, said that she learned many things thanks to the discussions held at the camp. Stating that the women shared their experiences at the camp, she said, “I have carried out activities to end gender- based violence. The National Council for Women has carried out field activities to support women. To eliminate gender-based violence, the existing laws should be activated and penalties against those who inflict violence against women should be increased.”

“Methods of struggle against gender-based violence should be developed”

Aya Motamed, member of the Association of the Egyptian Female Lawyers (AEFL), told us the women participating in the camp discussed many issues, including gender-based violence. “At the camp, we discussed the roots of gender-based violence and solutions to end gender-based violence. The women shared their experiences with each other. Violence against women exists all over the world and common methods of struggle should be developed. A social change is needed.”