“I just want someone to talk to.” This is a message that most legal centres in Egypt first receive from women who are seeking legal assistance. For many women, it can be an even bigger necessity than receiving any service; it is a route to finding strength, support, and human connection. Statistics alone do not reveal or capture the depth of the pain many of these women experience, starting from just the basic human need of finding a community to feel safe in. It is not just a domestic shelter, lawyer or a therapist that they seek, but something even more deep-rooted: a community that empowers them throughout their journey. For Molk Said, lawyer and women’s rights activist, and founder of the new initiative ‘Eeed Wahda’ (One Hand), the solution can be found within us– it is through our willingness to reach out, listen to one another, and unite within a powerful community spirit. Solidarity and Community-based Approaches For over a decade, civil society and governmental approaches to combatting violence against women revolved around three main concepts: protection, prevention, and outreach. Protection involves providing the key services to these women,…
Why Egyptian ‘Eed Wahda’ Social Platform Is Integral to Fighting Violence Against Women
June 23, 2020
