From the blog Egyptian Initiatives: A group against Sexual Harassment in Egypt! If we can stop it in Egypt we can definitely stop it ANYWHERE! Please contribute with your Ideas, Personal Stories, experiences and anything that you think could bring about change..it really is about time we take some action..the more we ignore this problem the more it manifests! This group will also try to provide you with all the necessary information you need to know about the situation in Egypt as per the Egyptian Center for Women Rights (ECWR) and messages will be sent as to how you can help and events of the campaign against sexual harassment in Egypt. Join this group if: * you stopped having walks in the street because you're sick of: o walking and staring in the ground so as not to make any eye contact with any guy and send him the wrong message that u are a *****. o hearing comments on ur weight, hair, clothes, etc o hearing explicit sexual fantasies of sleeze balls on the street. o getting grabbed or felt up by horny bastards. o seeing “stuff” or being offerred the “stuff” * you usually carry around a scarf to put on when taking publc transportation because of sexual harassement. * you stopped taking public transportion because you're scared the taxi driver would start jerking off. * you seriously just had ENOUGH and ready to do something about it! * and the list goes on..! * of course guys are also welcome to join. Basic Information from the Egyptian Center for Women Rights: “Sexual harassment is not specifically addressed or defined in the Egyptian law. But there are 3 articles in the existing criminal code that we can apply in cases of harassment: * Insulting (Article 306 of the Penal Code) * Indecent behavior (Article 278 of the Penal Code) * Sexual assault (Article 268 of the Penal Code) 1. Insulting: This law covers all types of insults, so it can also be applied to cat-calling and other verbal harassments in the street. (=mo3aksa) – This is considered a minor crime and is only tried in a “partial” court, which has 1 judge. Sentences can range from a fine of 100 LE to one month in prison 2. Indecent Behavior: This is covered by one article in the section on sexual crimes and can be applied to cases of indecent exposure, following and stalking (as well as to cases of public kissing). –This is considered a more serious crime and is tried in a larger criminal court with 3 judges. Sentences range from a fine to 3 years in prison. 3. Sexual Assault: This is another sexual crime and can be applied to cases of touching and other physical harassments. –This is considered a more serious crime and is also tried in the larger criminal court with 3 judges. Sentences range from 3 years to 15 years in prison. Problems: * Problem of Proof: The first and most important obstacle to applying any of these laws is the necessity of having proof. Women have only one chance to catch the harasser and this often depends on having the help of others at the right time. With no proof, women cannot make a report or bring a case to court. Other Obstacles: * Sexual harassment is not specifically defined or addressed by the law * Absence of police officers specifically responsible for protecting the public * Lack of public awareness of the law * Lack of enforcement (for any reason) * Hesitance of victims to make a report (for any reason) -Hesitance of witnesses to become involved and support the victim (for any reason) “ BM
