Society

Amid hardship, migration becomes popular

12 Mar 2013
With the dire economic situation, current political instability and increasing sectarian strife becoming part of everyday living and conversation, many Egyptians are toying with the question of whether or not to leave the country, and for...
Yes

International Women's Day in Egypt: Three profiles

08 Mar 2013
International Women’s Day, celebrated on 8 March each year, is a day to honor women and the struggle for women’s rights. Egypt Independent profiles three women leading very different lives, to explore some of the issues facing...
Yes

The healing process: Treatment for survivors of sexual violence

07 Mar 2013
A woman recounts her experience of sexual violence to you. It may be tempting if she is crying to tell her not to cry. It may be tempting to touch or hug her as well or try to help her feel better. But these instinctive reactions have no...
Yes

In the news: Documenting sexual violence

Dozens of female protesters gather at Talaat Harb Square, to protest against sexual harassment and violence against Egyptian Woman, Cairo, 12 February 2013.
06 Mar 2013
There is barely a media outlet in Egypt that has not covered sexual violence in the wake of violations and rapes in Tahrir Square. From Salafi satellite channels to privately-owned liberal ONTV, and from the Muslim Brotherhood’s...
Yes

On guard: Confronting sexual assault

A protester holds up banner reads "If you harass I won't shut up" during protest against sexual harassment and violence against Egyptian Woman, Cairo, 12 February 2013.
05 Mar 2013
On 25 January, the date of the revolution’s second anniversary, more than 20 cases of sexual assault or rape took place in and around Tahrir Square. One video circulated on YouTube by the organization Tahrir Bodyguard appeared to...
Yes

Tahrir Bodyguard launches free self-defense training for women

21 Feb 2013
With reports of sexual assault rampant in Tahrir Square, one organization is throwing itself into crowds, pulling women out, warding off perpetrators and monitoring potential attackers. “Women have the right to protest in the square...
Yes

A chance to dream: Orphaned youth and FORSA team up to create standards for orphanages

12 Feb 2013
Nahla al-Nimr, Sabah Abdallah and other orphans are rehearsing for a launch event (which took place on 2 February) bringing together 30 orphaned young people from a youth development program called FORSA to speak about their experiences in...
Yes

The sunny side of politics: How being positive can help you, if not the revolution

Clashes between protesters and security forces at the Presidential Palace in Heliopolis, Cairo, 1 February 2013.
07 Feb 2013
Ever since the outbreak of the 25 January revolution, the nation has been dragged into an unprecedented whirlwind of violence and political deadlock with no end in sight. Consequently, more and more Egyptians have been easily falling prey...
Yes

Downtown’s department stores: A demolished history of a bygone era

10 Jan 2013
The entryway is warm and welcoming, despite the vast space and the vaulted ceilings. Huge green walls embrace tens of wooden tables arranged symmetrically, carrying hundreds of fabric rolls. Each “rayon” specializes in a...
Yes

A reluctant holiday: Many Copts won’t fully celebrate Christmas

An Egyptian Coptic Christian woman stands outside a church in the historical center of Cairo on 6 January 2013. Egypt's minority Coptic Christians celebrate on Monday their first Christmas under Islamist rule and amid a climate of fear and uncertainty for their future.
07 Jan 2013
Coptic Christians are preparing to celebrate their second post-revolution Christmas on Monday 7 January, but many say holiday cheer is missing this year. Christmas and New Year’s celebrations have been marred by consecutive...
Yes

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