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Why the Campaign Unit for the NWF?
Since 1984, the NWF (The New Woman Foundation) has adopted an
Egyptian and Arabic vision that reflects the societies’ issues,
in general, and the women’s issue in particular. The foundation
works toward obtaining a democratic and just society through
various programs and activities; in which, the equality of the
social, economic, political and cultural rights is prevailed
among all people, and to ensure the elimination of all forms of
discrimination against women.
The NGO believes that activists, civil society organizations and
foundations play a crucial role in promoting human rights
values, culture and democracy throughout the world. The
foundation has the ability to provide a social climate to
practice and apply human rights effectively through advocacy,
promotion and dissemination. It is essential to be aware of what
society is exposed to concerning human rights and its
violations. We find that these violations are directed to male
and female activists in civil society. Violations are also
directed to a particular group within society, such as women or
citizens who are working and being suppressed and living without
any hopes of a better future in their own homeland.
The Campaign Unit keeps constant contact with different groups
and events that work towards achieving the foundation’s vision
of promoting human rights. Cooperation with the largest possible
number of Egyptian & Arabic feminist and human rights
organizations has strengthened the women’s movement and has
helped to formulate a common vision and support more democratic
practices. These practices oppose the policy of the government
and its authority over the remaining forms of civil society and
organizations.
To move forward it is imperative to continue the focus on the
rights to home, identity, freedom, and justice. The NWF
expresses its initiative to adopt these different concerns in
the society through various campaigns relevant to (and related
to) diverse issues that condemn all practices that negatively
affect human rights and freedoms. The NWF’s role is not limited
to advocacy of human rights and freedom, but also promotes a
social system where all individuals are able to practice their
rights and freedoms according to the international charters
(treaties), conventions and the constitution. Yet, for this to
happen society must first open her eyes and mind to the many
unspotted events and issues that prohibit the rights and
freedoms of her citizens.
The NWF realizes the importance and necessity of establishing a
Campaign Unit that incorporates the most significant and raised
issues. As of 2007, Egypt witnessed many violent protests in
various sectors; they range from mercenaries to physicians
concerning health insurance law, journalists regarding
publishing law, and judges in their combat with the government.
This corruption has affected all segments of Egyptian society.
This indicates that the disorders in the Egyptian society have
become comprehensive, common and foreboding.
Recently raised issues – which increased and varied among
social, legal, political and economic sectors– have created an
environment that has left the citizens feeling desperate.
The NWF recognizes the necessity of implementing mechanisms and
activities through the Campaign Unit. The foundation adopts
various campaigns in order to spread awareness, change policies
and existing laws for rights to become granted and not
extracted. It will deal with cultural heritage by changing
customs, traditions and norms inherent in the society - which
leads to the obvious discrimination between men and women on
issues, especially when dealing with violence towards women. The
present issue of discrimination has led to increased crimes that
endanger all individuals in society; women, children and men
alike.
This has pushed NWF to examine and discuss these phenomena
through scientific and societal methods for all citizens,
especially women. Crimes such as rape, sexual harassment,
legitimating, and honor crimes do not take attention. The
Campaign Unit is calling for changes in the societal culture,
laws and governmental policies that would make it difficult for
defendants to escape their crime. Tough legislative punishments,
which are not present today, would correct the practice of
defendants escaping under the “legal gaps.”
Thus, for all mentioned above, the Campaign Unit’s role is
essential in tracking events and issues regularly and handling
them. The Campaign Unit’s next step is to spread this
information and news through the media. The media is a powerful
medium that affects public opinion. Thereby, influencing the
society’ vision and culture. Changing the culture and cultural
norms is a crucial factor for obtaining the vision. Change in
culture is sometimes considered more powerful than the rule of
law. When norms change law changes to meet the new norms and
standards.
Hence, the campaigns need to express the needs of every category
of the citizenry.
Other Links
- The NGOs campaign to advocate Freedom of Organization
- NWF adopts the first lawsuit against sexual harassment
- Closing statement Women in labor market conference (Women in work)