Despite Egypt being a signatory to international conventions which combat all forms of violence against women, including the Convention of the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Beijing Declaration, the problem remains pervasive.
Last week a video showing a groom hitting his bride on their wedding day went viral on social media, triggering outrage. The couple were subsequently interviewed on satellite TV, with both making light of the incident and saying they were surprised by the outrage it had provoked.
Ahmed Zayed, professor of sociology and member of the senate, said male-controlled traditions and norms that discriminate against females within the family contribute to violence against women, and that “male interpretations of religion are another important factor connected to violence against women.”
“There are contradicting views on the general concept of equality between men and women, including on the use of violence against women,” he said. “And women’s acceptance of violence and lack of awareness of their own rights serves to perpetuate the problem.”
According to Zayed, many women, particularly those living in rural areas, believe it is a man’s right to beat his wife in circumstances such as her going out without first taking her husband’s, or some other male family member’s, permission.
There is a link, Zayed argues, between economic status and incidents of violence as women. He believes that education, which can lead to improved social status, empowers women, and that poverty condemns so women to remain in abusive and toxic relationships.
Amal Abdel-Moneim, head of the ombudsman’s office at the National Council for Women (NCW), says many incidents of violence against women end in victim blaming, a phenomenon that needs to be addressed through awareness raising and educational programmes.
One way to prevent violence against women is to promote a redefinition of gender roles and masculinity, argues Abdel-Moneim. Involving men and boys in addressing violence against women through redefining gender norms and notions of masculinity is essential given that a major reason behind violence against women is the patriarchal culture that reinforces the unequal distribution of power and resources between men and women.
“Correcting the definition of masculinity and setting the proper gender norms are essential to prevent violence against women,” she says.
The NCW has conducted several workshops to combat the phenomenon, and plans to roll out awareness raising programmes on the physical and emotional abuse of women across Egypt’s govern orates.
*A version of this article appears in print in the 24 February, 2022 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly.
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