Violence Against Women In Egypt Part I International

Violence Against Women In Egyptpart I Internati

Briefly explain the specific international social problem/issue you are addressing in your paper, the specific population affected by this issue and the specific country/region. Briefly discuss the significance of this issue with this population and its relevance to international social work.

The international social problem addressed in this paper is violence against women in Egypt. This issue encompasses a range of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, sexual harassment, and assault, predominantly affecting women across various age groups and social strata within Egyptian society. The affected population thus includes Egyptian women of different socioeconomic backgrounds, rural and urban residents, and victims of gender-based violence at different stages of life. The significance of this problem lies in its violation of fundamental human rights and its impact on women’s safety, health, and socio-economic participation within Egypt. Moreover, violence against women (VAW) in Egypt transcends national boundaries, influencing international perceptions of gender equality and women’s rights, and highlighting the critical role of international social work in advocating for gender justice and legal reforms. Addressing this issue aligns with the global commitment to attain gender equality and protect human rights, emphasizing the importance of international social work interventions and advocacy.

Literature Review on the International Social Problem

The literature on violence against women in Egypt reveals alarming trends and complex causes rooted in socio-cultural, legal, and economic factors. An introductory synthesis of scholarly articles and reputable reports illustrates that violence manifests in various forms, including domestic abuse, street harassment, and public sexual violence. These sources collectively emphasize that gender-based violence in Egypt remains pervasive, with entrenched cultural norms often impeding victims' access to justice and support services.

Research by Amnesty International highlights the widespread prevalence of violence against women in Egypt, noting how societal factors such as patriarchy, victim-blaming, and inadequate legal protections contribute to ongoing abuse (Amnesty International, 2021). An illuminating example is the recent surge in documented sexual assaults and harassment, which prompted activists and advocacy groups to demand justice and stronger legal measures (Egypt Sexual Assaults: Activists Demand Justice, 2021). Similarly, a report from the Huffington Post discusses recent instances of street harassment, illustrating how public spaces in Egypt often become sites of gendered violence, further marginalizing women and restricting their freedom of movement (Huffington Post, 2022).

Further scholarly literature examines causes of violence, including patriarchal societal norms that uphold male dominance, insufficient legal deterrents, and societal taboos surrounding discussions of sexual violence. For instance, research indicates that domestic violence is often underreported due to cultural stigma and fear of social repercussions, which complicates efforts to address and prevent such violence (El Feki, 2016). The literature also highlights efforts by NGOs and international agencies, such as UN Women and local advocacy groups, to implement awareness campaigns, provide support services to survivors, and advocate for legal reforms aimed at protecting women (UN Women, 2020).

Integrating findings from these sources reveals a complex picture: while violence against women in Egypt remains deeply rooted in traditional gender expectations, contemporary global influences and international human rights standards are fostering increased awareness and activism. Many studies emphasize the importance of legal reforms, community-based interventions, and international cooperation to combat violence effectively (Hassan & Hassan, 2019). Notably, several articles point to successful strategies such as public education campaigns, empowerment programs for women, and international pressure to enforce stricter legal penalties for perpetrators (ICJ, 2019). The literature underscores that addressing VAW in Egypt requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal, social, and cultural interventions.

Summary

The reviewed literature underscores that violence against women in Egypt continues to be a pressing human rights issue rooted in deeply embedded societal norms, legal weaknesses, and economic vulnerabilities. Key findings reveal high prevalence rates of domestic violence, sexual harassment, and public assault, with many women reluctant to report abuse due to stigmatization and fear of reprisal. The literature emphasizes the significance of cultural change, legal reform, and international cooperation in tackling this problem. Furthermore, studies highlight the critical role of social work in empowering women, advocating for policy changes, and implementing community-based interventions to reduce violence.

This social problem exemplifies broader issues of international human rights violations and social justice. Women’s right to safety, dignity, and equality encapsulates fundamental human rights, and violence against women infringes on these protections. Addressing violence in Egypt aligns with global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 5: Gender Equality. The importance of social work in this context lies in its capacity to serve as a bridge between affected populations and institutional reforms, advocating for policies that uphold women’s rights and facilitate social change globally.

In Part II, the research will focus on strategies designed to combat violence against women in Egypt, including legal reforms, community activism, educational programs, and international collaborations. These strategies aim to reduce the prevalence of violence, support survivors, and promote gender equality through multidimensional approaches grounded in cultural sensitivity and human rights principles.

References

• Amnesty International. (2021). Violence against women in Egypt: A human rights concern. Amnesty International Report.
• El Feki, S. (2016). Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Middle East. Pantheon Books.
• Hassan, S., & Hassan, R. (2019). A human rights approach to addressing violence against women in Egypt. Journal of International Women's Studies, 20(3), 45-62.
• Huffington Post. (2022). Violence against women in Egypt: Alarming trends of harassment and assault. HuffingtonPost.com.
• ICJ. (2019). Justice for women: Recommendations for legal reforms in Egypt. International Commission of Jurists.
• Egypt Sexual Assaults: Activists Demand Justice Against Perpetrators. (2021). News Report.
• UN Women. (2020). Empowering women and girls in Egypt: Strategies and progress. UN Women Annual Report.