“From Awareness to Action: Understanding and Combating Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG)”

Event at the Embassy of the Netherland in Egypt on December 9th..

On the occasion of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women and Girls, Team Europe (The Royal Norwegian Embassy, the Embassies of the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany and Ireland, GIZ in Egypt and the European Union), in partnership with Tadwein for Gender Studies, will host an event on December 9th, 2024, at the Embassy of the Netherlands in Egypt. The event is titled “From Awareness to Action: Understanding and Combatting Violence against Women and Girls (VAWG)” and will shed light on different violations affecting women and girls, focusing on technology-facilitated violence (TFV) and acid attacks. Egyptian government representatives and members of the Egyptian parliament will also take part in the event.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains the most prevalent human rights violation in the world. Globally, an estimated 736 million women have experienced a form of violence by an intimate partner and/or non-intimate partner at least once in their lives. In Egypt, violence against women and girls remains a widespread and deeply entrenched issue, affecting millions of women and girls regardless of their age, socioeconomic status, or geographic location. Although the Egyptian government, supported by civil society organizations, has made strides in addressing these issues, significant challenges persist and more efforts are required.

This event will feature two powerful sessions aimed at raising awareness and fostering discussions on combating VAWG. The first session will include short talks by feminist activists who will delve into the topic of technology-facilitated violence. The second session will feature a discussion with government officials, a representative of Ahl-Masr, a civil society organization that founded the biggest national hospital for trauma and burn in Egypt, and a survivor of an acid attack. This session will emphasize the psychological and physical trauma caused by acid attacks, and the critical need for support, justice, and rehabilitation for survivors.

The event will also screen an Egyptian award-winning film titled “Samar before the final Picture” by the Egyptian director Aya Yussf, shedding light on the harrowing experiences of acid attack survivors. The event will also host a remarkable performance by “Shamandura”, the folkloric dancing group, which will interpret the theme of this occasion into a traditional and ingenious artistic performance.

In Egypt, Team Europe supports several programmes to promote women's empowerment and combat violence against women and girls, including projects carried out in collaboration with national implementing partners. Tadwein for Gender studies, is a feminist leading organization in Egypt, working on production of feminist knowledge and designing and implementing programme aiming to end violence against women and girls.