ASMAA FATHİ

Cairo- Customs and traditions are passed down from generation to generation; however, many women suffer from these customs and traditions because they face obstacles in all spheres of life. These customs and traditions deprive women of participation in decision-making positions and make them victims of violence and gender-stereotypes. Women have been struggling for years to say that they have the right to make decisions about their lives; however, the customs and tradition still prevent them from making decisions.

The effects of customs and traditions on women

Heidi Adel, who holds a master’s degree in public law, said that the customs and traditions affect women in general. Stating that women cannot run for an election because men think women do not deserve to be elected, she said, “The customs and traditions prevent women’s political participation. Women are subjected to violence due to these customs and traditions. And girls are forced into marriage when they are under the age of 18.”

“Women must make efforts to realize their dreams”

Heidi Adel thinks the most important issue is marriage because girls are forced into early marriage while they want to continue their education. “In Egypt, women cannot choose who they want to marry.” Speaking about the challenges faced by her when she became a candidate for Senate election, she said, “Most people told me to withdraw my candidacy because they believed that I would not be elected since I am a woman. But I decided to run for the election because I wanted to experience this and see the results.” She also called on women to not give up their dreams and make efforts to realize their dreams.

She was forced into marriage

Zainab Jamil began to speak to NuJINHA by saying, “I lost my self-confidence, which is the worst feeling ever.”

She added, “I wanted to study and I saw that I could become a lecturer at one of the universities. However, my family decided to marry me to my cousin, who did not complete his education. He was a rich man so my family forced me to get married with him since I had no right to refuse. So, I got married.”

Zainab Jamil also told us what she experienced after the marriage. “My cousin, also my husband, did not allow me to work and I stayed at home for 10 years. My friends, who got scholarships and travelled abroad to study, told me I had opportunities to study abroad. However, my husband did not allow me. I ask all women to follow their dreams and realize their dreams despite all obstacles.