ASMAA FATHİ

Cairo- Women’s issues are mostly marginalized in the activities of NGOs in Egypt’s Ismailia province. Women are not allowed to participate in decision-making positions and strengthen their presence. NuJINHA team visited Ismailia Governorate to learn what women face.

“There is no sufficient support”

Lawyer Shaima Ghazali told us that some political parties mention women’s issues during their election campaigns to win the votes of women; however, there is no effective women’s participation in NGOs in Ismailia Governorate. Underlining that women’s issues are mostly marginalized in the activities of NGOs, she said, “Political parties have ‘Women’s Committees’ but these committees are inactive. NGOs and official institutions do not meet women’s demands. There is no sufficient support for women in the governorate.”

Women candidates are not supported

Shaima Ghazali told us that there are many non-governmental organizations holding workshops and training courses. She attended one of the workshops held by the Association of the Egyptian Female Lawyers (AEFL). Speaking about her experience of running for elections in Ismailia Governorate for a seat in the Bar Association, she said, “I faced many obstacles. For more than 20 years, the bar association has had no female president. Because our society does not accept women’s participation in elections.” Stating that not only men but also women do not support women candidates, she said that she did not win the election because she was left alone during the election.

Jamila Al-Sulaimani - she asked us not to use her real name- is an employee in Ismailia Governorate. When women employees were subjected to some problems with the manager, she went to many organizations that provide support to women, with one of her friends to ask support against their manager, who uses his position to pressure them; however, they received no support. “I am a divorced woman and earn a living for my family. Although I was subjected to sexual harassment by my manager, I had to remain silent in order not to be fired,” she told us.  

She received support

Huda Muhammad thinks non-governmental organizations open their doors to support everyone, who applies them. “I was subjected to domestic violence. I applied to one of the NGOs to receive support. They convinced my parents to continue my education. Since then, I have not been subjected to domestic violence or obstacles,” she said.