Women Assaulted in Egypt
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=154471078
Concern grows for the safety of women in Egypt's Tahrir Square after numerous women have been assaulted during protests. An attack late yesterday seemed to be the last straw for many protesters who are calling for a campaign to prevent sexual harassment in the square. Although calls for this campaign seem to stem from the recent protests, many Egyptians insist that it is "part of a bigger social problem that has largely gone unpunished."
Because women rarely report attacks, the actual amount of incidents is unknown. Many suspect that these attacks on women are driven by opponents of the protesters in an effort to weaken spirits.
Women are also seemingly targeted by military and security troops, a strategy favored by Mubarak. "Troops were captured on video stomping with their boots on the bare chest of a woman, with only her blue bra showing, as other troops pulled her by the arms across the ground."
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=154471078
Concern grows for the safety of women in Egypt's Tahrir Square after numerous women have been assaulted during protests. An attack late yesterday seemed to be the last straw for many protesters who are calling for a campaign to prevent sexual harassment in the square. Although calls for this campaign seem to stem from the recent protests, many Egyptians insist that it is "part of a bigger social problem that has largely gone unpunished."
Because women rarely report attacks, the actual amount of incidents is unknown. Many suspect that these attacks on women are driven by opponents of the protesters in an effort to weaken spirits.
Women are also seemingly targeted by military and security troops, a strategy favored by Mubarak. "Troops were captured on video stomping with their boots on the bare chest of a woman, with only her blue bra showing, as other troops pulled her by the arms across the ground."
A 2008 report says that two-thirds of women in Egypt experience sexual harassment of some form on a daily basis. TWO THIRDS! Although police forces have increased their number of patrols, no legislation/punishment was ever passed.
Since Mubarak was ousted, women's political rights have deteriorated - they have won fewer seats in parliament than ever before. Women's rights groups also fear the
growing power of Islamist groups will lead to new restrictions.
