Campaign against sexual harassment in Egypt

The process of mobilizing and sustaining protest in authoritarian regimes is risky, particularly when it focuses on women's issues in neo-patriarchal governments in the Middle East. However, sustained protest about women's rights occurs and carries with it the potential for change in norms and laws. 

Even prior to the Arab Spring, the campaign against sexual harassment in Egypt, which was mobilized by the Egyptian Center for Women's Rights (ECWR) and its collaborators, sought to promote change in a high-risk, neo-patriarchal environment.

In this paper, we analyze data gathered from 2005 to 2009 on the ECWR campaign. Data came from interviews, participant observation, newspapers and media accounts, and documentary materials. Analysis was  attentive to ECWR's mobilization strategies, organizational processes  and legal and normative efforts at institutional change.

We found that central to ECWR's progress were strong networks, especially local ones; flexible strategies; and the utilization of effective frames in communicating with national and international groups.   The Center's leaders and members were key elements in guiding the organization toward promising outcomes despite opposition from government and other groups.