In the wake of last year’s uproar and publicized sexual harassment claims, it appears that we have yet to rectify this deep-seated issue. Since then, numerous organizations and individuals have tirelessly tried to educate the general public on the issue at hand and its troubling emergence in Egypt. It came to the fore how prevalent this is issue is and how it can happen anywhere, even in places where you should feel safest.
With that in mind, AUC held its first ‘My Safe Uni Day‘ event on Monday, April 5, as part of its SpeakUp series. The event sought to address and resolve sexual harassment incidents on college campuses and to open the dialogue between students and faculty about how to address this issue head on.
The event hosted an array of AUC alumni and speakers from diverse backgrounds sharing their views on sexual harassment and ways to condemn it. Among them were adventurer and founder of Wild Guanabana, Omar Samra, professional Opera singer and mezzo-soprano, Gala El Hadidi, actor Tarek El Ibiary, and Nile University professor of management and public policy, Ahmed Alaa Fayed. Throughout the day, anti-harassment NGOs and initiatives engaged the audience in mindful activities and workshops about sexual harassment, such as E7na Initiative, Safe Kids, Heya Masr, and Community Hub.
Throughout the day we got a glimpse of what it can be like when a topic like sexual harassment and it’s prevention is discussed openly and publicly. Here’s some of the most compelling lessons we’ve learned.
1. Focusing on Finding Ways to Prevent Sexual Harassment from Happening is the Key
Kickstarting the event, AUC students took to the stage to openly discuss and explain the mechanism behind the SpeakUp initiative in regards to sexual harassment. Students were very keen on highlighting AUC’s efforts in dealing with sexual assault as a recurring and present issue, but highlighted how there’s still some work left to be done. Several students pointed out that in order to prevent sexual harassment from occurring, instead of simply remedying the problem after it occurs, action needs to be taken to ensure it never happens in the first place. And that starts with clear and actionable punishments for perpetrators.
AUC president Francis Ricciardone (center) & AUC students. Via AUC.
“This has been a place where we always encourage our students to speak up.”
– AUC President, Francis Ricciardone.
2. Men Have an Important Role to Play in Furthering the Cause
While men may not exclusively understand the full experiences of women, they still have a role to play when it comes to combating sexual harassment, an opinion Samra and Fayed voiced at the event.
Urging men to acknowledge their inherent privilege, Samra advised them to voice this pressing issue among their communities and social circles to lighten the burden and fear that women experience when discussing such matters. And because of the absurd progression of this issue, remaining quiet or inactive about it becomes injustice on its own, Samra added.
Ahmed Alaa Fayed (left) and Omar Samra (right) at AUC’s #MySafeUniDay. Via AUC.
Heavily agreeing with Samra, Fayed noted that this male privilege should be used to support women who have experienced sexual harassment. He stressed the importance of providing the proper mechanisms and systems for women to report an incident.
“We need to use our male privilege to actually make sure we protect, prevent, and support the victims.”
– Ahmed Alaa Fayed, Professor of Management & Public Policy, Nile University.
3. You Are Never A Victim
When El Hadidi came on stage she took us through her own experiences of feeling powerless when harassed and how that taught her an invaluable lesson about not viewing herself as a victim and not succumbing to a feeling of helplessness. She goes on to say that by doing so, you no longer see yourself as the victim of a situation. Hadidi’s recovery tactic essentially boils down to holding your head high amidst a situation of defeat with a predator.
Gala El Hadidi at AUC’s #MySafeUniDay. Via AUC.
“Being a victim starts with you; not other people. It’s you feeling bad for yourself. It’s you jumping out of a window instead of walking proudly through a door.” – Gala El Hadidi, professional Opera singer & mezzo-soprano.
4. The Promising Up and Coming NGOs and Initiatives Combating Sexual Harassment
Aside from the thought-provoking talks that took place at My Safe Uni Day, another segment of the event was the impressive assembly of NGOs and initiatives that showcased their work while trying to engage attendees in thought-provoking and memorable activities.
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Heya Masr
Bringing a new concept to the event, Heya Masr, a NGO harnessing harassment-free environments, who’s mission it is to empower and give the power back to young women conducted a unique and empowering wood-breaking activity at their booth, encouraging women to find their power.
Heya Masr self-defense workshop at AUC’s #MySafeUniDay. Via AUC.
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E7na Initiative
E7na Initiative’s booth at AUC’s #MySafeUniDay.
Responsible for Egypt’s first anti-sexual harassment summit in November 2020, E7na’s team presented a interactive activity (called ‘Think Tank’), where participants answer questions and propose solutions to combat sexual harassment.
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Safe Kids
Safe Kids Foundation booth at AUC’s #MySafeUniDay. Via AUC.
Known for educating children and families about sexual harassment, Safe Kids was also in the lineup of interactive booths. Their display featured their educational book “I’m Precious”, which shows kids how to set physical boundaries, and their “Safe Feelings” board-game encouraging children to express their emotions.
While this event proved successful and insightful for many, one must see it as a stepping stone towards the bigger picture: a harassment-free Egypt.
