February 13, 2011

"So Mubarak Is Gone--What Does That Mean For Egyptian Women?"

An excellent overview from the Feminist Peace Network, with quotes from and links to Egyptian women bloggers.

"So Mubarak is gone and certainly it is good to finally be rid of someone who has consistently abused the human rights of the citizens of Egypt.  But it is not at all clear yet whether those that take his place will be better, particularly for women. That is something that we still don’t know, so it feels premature to truly celebrate.

While reports from Amnesty put great stock in the presence of women in Tahrir Square as boding well for women’s human rights going forward in Egypt and Foreign Policy in Focus gleefully talks about Egyptian “Riot Grrls” (what riot, where?), there is no real evidence at this point that indicates that violations of women’s human rights will be substantively addressed or ended by a new government.  In any case, we need to have a far more nuanced analysis than simply saying that it is great that women are visible in the uprising. Here are some good beginnings to that crucial conversation:

As Egyptian journalist Manar Ammar writes,

Amidst the violence, women are standing strong. Leading on the frontlines, reporting updates on social media sites, tending to the wounded, and fighting thugs.

But,

In yet another stab to women’s rights, women have been overlooked in the opposition coalition. Despite massive female participation at the protests, all 10 individuals taking over leadership of the movement are male.

Altmuslimah talks about sexual harassment in Egypt and how  it has been a factor in women’s participation in past protests and why this time has been different..."

Read full article here