ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- Egyptian women are subjected to many rights violations despite the efforts of the NGOs, individuals and governments to reduce them because women are most vulnerable to crises, clashes and wars. NuJINHA spoke to Nevin Obaid, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the New Woman Foundation (NWF) and researcher on gender studies, about rights violations committed against Egyptian women. One of the rights violations faced by Egyptian women and girls is the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Although the FGM is banned in Egypt, it is still practiced in country, especially in rural areas.

The NWF is an Egyptian feminist non-governmental organization, established in 1984. Speaking about the activities and works of the foundation, Nevin Obaid said, “We have a long history. The new generation of the foundation participates in decision-making positions and this is a positive thing. Two years ago, we began to support centers in order to provide legal support to women and girls. We have held workshops for NGOs and government agencies for the ratification of the ILO's Convention 190. We recently obtained consultative status from the United Nations, which will increase our capacity to influence the international community. We have great experience in working on shadow reports, CEDAW, and other reports. I believe that next year, we will promote human rights more and present more alternatives about public policies.”

The foundation has carried out many projects, especially on combating violence against women. “We have carried out many awareness-raising activities for the ratification of the ILO’s Convention 190 to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work. We have supported centers so that we provide legal, psychological and social support to survivors of violence and harassment,” Nevin Obaid said.

 ‘FGM is still practiced’

The foundation works in coordination with other women’s organizations, NGOs and unions to combat violence against women and girls. The foundation also carries out awareness-raising activities against FGM. Egypt has toughened penalties for female genital mutilation; however, it is still widely practiced throughout Egypt, especially rural areas. In her speech, Nevin Obaid said, “Some doctors still perform FGM. Although their clinics are known to everyone, no step has been taken to stop them. Because the roots of this phenomenon stem from the inequality between men and women in society. We believe that gender equality is the solution for violations committed against women and girls”