(Cairo, August 17, 2020) This week, the topic of FGM was deliberated in an episode titled “What Men Want”, presented by Ms. Nehad Abolkomsan; Senior Lawyer and ECWR’s chairwoman. The episode began by declaring that FGM is a crime punishable by law, and that it causes severe harm for girls on both the physical and mental levels. It may also lead to a number of different problems in their future personal and marital life. This act has been carried out over time, passed down through generations, and is justified by being a procedure which protects girls and preserves their honor.
Ms. Nehad reaffirms that the best way to protect girls is through sound upbringing and nurture, and not FGM.
Ms. Nehad referred that the Penal Code now stated that FGM is a felony; transformed from previously being a misdemeanor. Furthermore, the punishment is now more severe, especially for doctors who perform FGM. Alongside legislation, there are other channels which can be utilized to bring an end to this crime, such as working on raising awareness amongst citizens. Therefore, the National Committee Combating FGM was initiated, which includes several institutions such as the National Council for Women and the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood, the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Interior, the Public Prosecution, and a number of international organizations. International organizations help provide lessons learned from experiences with the same issue from different countries and how they control FGM, as well as how to initiate effective enforcement mechanisms that are consistent with our specific society and background.
The episode featured an infographic, featuring the outcomes of a study conducted by the National Council for Women and UN Women about the understanding of manhood in Egyptian Society. Ms. Nehad affirmed that according to the study, there is a significant improvement in how men view women in work, education, and their ability to hold positions of power. Thus, this will be reflected in their views towards their wives in the future.
In a segment which addressed life post-COVID19 and working from home, Ms. Nehad argued that self-quarantine has increased the rates of domestic violence, which is something that has been confirmed by the World Health Organization. The WHO stated that the increase in domestic violence during COVID-19 lockdown is a disturbing matter, and the UN Secretary General has called for governments to provide the appropriate protections and measures against violence during the pandemic.
“Hekayat Nehad” is a television program which targets issues that are specific to women and their rights through simplifying knowledge and information that is produced by civil society, and is related to women’s empowerment in all fields; economic, social, political, and legal. It uses simple conversation, analysis, and audience interactions in order to get the points across, and to inform as many people as possible.
The show airs on “AlQahera Wal Nas” every Saturday at 5:30 pm and is rerun 5 times a week on “AlQahera Wal Nas 1” Mondays and Thursdays at 12 pm and on “AlQahera Wal Nas 2” Saturdays Sundays and Wednesdays at 9 pm.
