(Cairo, November 26, 2023)
Within the framework of the “Choose Correctly” campaign activities implemented by the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights (ECWR) on the 25th of November, which is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, a new season of the TV show “Nehad’s Stories” was aired. The show is presented by Nehad Abuelkomsan, Senior lawyer and ECWR’s chairwoman. The first episode was titled “Gender Equality and the Role of Youth.” The episode focused on the involvement of young people in promoting gender equality.
The episode began with a story of a young man from Sohag Governorate, who is distinguished by his enthusiasm and volunteerism in many activities related to human rights and women’s rights. He is a volunteer in United Nations activities related to gender equality. He pointed out that at the beginning of his conversation with any young man about the topic of gender equality, he encounters with bullying, however, when he explains to others that the issue of gender equality is based on treating female classmates with respect and professionalism, they understand the issue correctly and even participate with him in various activities.
Nehad Abuelkomsan confirmed It is common for many young men to have no plans or activities during their summer break from school. On the other side, girls are the ones who are more oppressed by families than boys in participating in any activities. Abelkomsan pointed out that there are many ministries that have summer activities in which one can participate, such as ‘’Noura’’ Initiative of the National Council for Women, which advised families of girls that the girls’ participation in these activities gives them many experiences and knowledge and works to expand the girls’ awareness, and thus creates in them a strong personality capable of dealing with different life situations.
The episode hosted “Frederika Meier, Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA),” who emphasized in her speech that the population issue is more than just focusing on reproductive health. It encompasses economic and social dimensions as well. The starting point of the population issue is reproductive health for women and men, and it is important for women to be aware of family planning methods so that they can make informed decisions about the timing and number of children they desire. This decision should be made jointly by both the wife and husband.
Meier pointed out that the population issue also focuses on the social and economic dimensions of the population. Early marriage of girls before the age of 18 is not only a legal crime but also has detrimental health effects on girls. Additionally, when girls get married before the age of 18, it means they will drop out of education, which in turn significantly reduces their chances of entering the job market because they lack education and experience.
Frederika further explained that UNFPA works on implementing its various activities in collaboration with ministries and different institutes, as well as civil society organizations. Policy-making cannot be effective without fieldwork and practical implementation.
Meier emphasized that one of the major challenges facing the population issue in Egypt is attempting to achieve a balance in population growth, as well as ensuring access for women who desire family planning methods or addressing unmet needs. In Egypt, there are 18% of women who are unable to access family planning methods.
The episode concluded with a segment of audience interaction through questions sent to the TV program, which were answered. “Nehad’s Stories” is a television program that focuses on women’s rights by simplifying all the knowledge and evidence produced by civil society regarding “women’s empowerment” in various political, economic, social, legal fields, and combating violence. The program adopts a simple approach of storytelling, analysis, and engaging with the audience through questions.
