HarassMap, an amazing anti-street harassment group in Egypt, is running an anti-harassment campaign for Eid called “Eid in Egypt is safe everywhere.”
This week is the start of Eid, a Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan. Just as in the U.S. there often is an increase in street harassment during certain holiday times like Mardi Gras, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween, unfortunately in countries like Egypt where Eid is widely celebrated, it can also be a time of increased street harassment.
For example, in both 2008 and 2006, there were mass sexual assault attacks on women in the streets of Egypt during Eid and police officers were observed standing by, doing nothing.
Sadly, then, a targeted anti-harassment campaign is needed.
HarassMap writes about how to get involved,
“Help make this Eid in Egypt safe, we won’t tolerate yearly sexual harassment Eid incidents. Egyptian men and women deserve to enjoy Eid in respect, dignity and safety. Join us as we raise awareness online this Eid. You can tweet, blog, facebook or anything, or offline you can raise awareness in your community or graffiti or talk to your friends and neighbors! Speak up and let’s have a safe Eid!“
Use hashtag #EndSH on twitter. More information via Facebook.
Beckie says
This is so great that the women in Egypt are doing this. We need to do the same for holidays in the US