Ws 420 Unit 1

WS 420 UNIT 1 The Women of Egypt

Introduction
Hello, my name is Ariel and I am a senior at Minnesota State University Moorhead. I am majoring in Special Education (Specific Learning Disabilities and Emotional Behavior Disorders) as well as pursuing a certificate in Autism.
Some of my interests include running, reading, knitting, camping, canoeing, and being with my loved ones.

Introduction
This is my very first women’s studies course and I am hesitant and excited about it.
I plan to gain insights into women around the world as well as what feminism actually is and who feminists are.
I chose Egypt because I am very uninformed about the Egyptian people and their life in Egypt during the recent revolution. I hope to broaden my knowledge and to change my habits of ignoring current events.

Women of Egypt During the Revolution
Just recently, Egypt underwent a successful (in the sense that he was removed) revolution to remove President Mubarak from office.
Much to the shock of the globe, the women of Egypt were seen standing next to men in the streets, protesting President Mubarak’s reign while risking their safety.
Egyptian women aided in the protests by smuggling in food and first aid supplies.

Women of Egypt During the Revolution
“ Up until the day Hosni Mubarak stepped down, there were no reported cases of sexual harassment – a big problem in Egypt – and women slept safely next to men in makeshift tents” (Hosea).
The women of Egypt showed that they have strength and power during the revolution.
Their public role in Egypt was recognized by the government, military, and the world during the revolution, which had not been recognized since the previous revolution of 1919.

Women of Egypt After the Revolution
Since the revolution, women have returned to their previous roles in Egypt, working in the home or for their family.
“… They (women of Egypt) have largely kept quiet about their gender rights in a country where they have faced rampant discrimination and received little legal protection against widespread violence and sexual abuse” (Atassi).
Just last year, parliament passed a law mandating that 64 seats of the house had to go to women, of those 64 seats, only 8 are actually filled by women.

Women of Egypt After the Revolution
Since the revolution, cases of sexual harassment have been reported, including women being subjected to “virginity tests” by solider of Egypt’s military.
“ It is a testament to how Egypt’s Supreme Council of Armed Forces (SCAF), who have replaced Mubarak, is using the sexual behavior of women, its cultural association of honor in this region, to once again shame women away from political protest” (Hossain).

Tradition in Egypt
During these modern times the women of Egypt are suffering from old traditions.
“ Egypt is ranked 120 out of 128 countries in gender equality by the World Economic Forum Global Gender Gap Report, with emphasis on its low performance in the subcategories of political empowerment and genuine female opportunity in the economy” (El-Naggar).
Unemployment is significantly higher for women ( 15-32%) than for men (about 12%).

Women of Egypt
Blatant sexual harassment is experienced by 80% of women just walking on the street and 60% of men admit to it (Hossain).
Sexual harassment is used as a way to “shame” women, making them stay in their homes and avoid public places because of the humiliation to themselves and their families.
Egyptian women receive little legal help or advisement against sexual harassment.

The Future of Women’s Rights
Women’s rights activist, Hala Kamal is optimistic about the future of Egypt’s women, “…I am very optimistic that this revolution which, unlike the 1919 revolution, already includes well-established women’s rights organizations, will be positive for women’s rights” (Atassi).
It is a very important time in Egypt right now for women to push for their rights during the rebuilding of their country.

Works Cited
Atassi, Basma. "The New Egypt: Leaving Women Behind." Aljazeera 8 March 2011: n. pag. Web. 12 Jun 2011. <http://english.aljazeera.net/indepth/features/ 2011/03/201138133425420552.html>.
Bialer, Jake. "Egypt Women Show Courage Participating in Mubarak Protests ." Huffington Post 2 February 2011: n. pag. Web. 12 Jun 2011. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/02/ egypt-women-protests_n_817822.html>.
El-Naggar, Mona. "In Egypt, Women have Burdens but No Privileges." New York Times July 13 2010: n. pag. Web. 12 Jun 2011. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/world/middleeast/14iht- letter.html>.
Hosea, Leana. "A Woman's Place in the New Egypt." BBC 23 March 2011: n. pag. Web. 12 Jun 2011. <http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12819919>.
Hossain, Anushay. "Virginity Tests: Time to Let Gender out of Revolution's Closet." World With A View . Forbes, 6 June 2011. Web. 12 Jun 2011. <http://blogs.forbes.com/worldviews/ 2011/06/06/virginity-tests-time-to-let-gender-out-of-revolutions-closet/>.

Ws 420 Unit 1

by hellingar on Jun 12, 2011

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