The discussion focused on how to face sexual harassment and increase men's awareness concerning the importance of confronting sexual harassment. The event highlighted the effects of sexual harassment on women, encouraging the whole society to take action, spreading awareness among children and emphasizing the value of respect, and opposing violence.   

 

As part of the events of the day, the ECWR Chair, Ms. Nehad Abul Komsan, introduced the Sexual Harassment campaign in Egypt called “Safe Streets for All”, and reviewed the last reports and data in the country. One of the peak moments of the day was the screening of a film titled "Very Important", about the sexual harassment of children, followed by a discussion with young men and women of sexual harassment. Also, ECWR presented the proposed draft law, which calls for criminalizing harassment, and the attendants started a general discussion on the most important legal aspects and procedures.

 

Dr. Ziad Rifai, the UNFPA representative in Egypt, stressed that sexual harassment occurs not only in public places but also in workplaces, inside the house and in educational settings and highlighted four ways to combat it.

 

“First of all," he said, "we need legislation, a law, in this matter to prosecute the aggressors. In second place, there is also a great need to raise awareness on the subject, including media people, police and even doctors. In the third place, we have to be able to provide good services. Finally, partnership between the different parties — NGO’s, police, legal system, agencies and government — is key to combat harassment effectively.”