On November 25th of every year, the world celebrates the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. This day marks the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence which ends with the celebration of Human Rights Day, which falls on December 10th. This tradition began in 1999 with a resolution of the United Nations General Assembly, remarking November 25th of each year as a day to raise awareness of all forms of violence against women.

The undersigned organizations express their full solidarity and support to the Egyptian citizen, Menna Gibran, for the attack she is being subjected to as a result of her adherence to her right to a safe public space and the pursuit of her legitimate human rights in maintaining safe spaces.

Despite the governmental and non-governmental efforts to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) in Egypt, this heinous crime continues. According to the 2015 Egypt Health Issues Survey (DHS), 92% of Egyptian women who have been married between the ages of 15 and 49 are circumcised. In addition, we regularly receive data and news about deaths or complications that occur to girls as a result of their family’s practice of female genital mutilation. Moreover, doctors and some of the clergymen belonging to the Al-Azhar institution came out to defend FGM, analyze this heinous crime, and talk about whether this crime is honorable for women.

Statement from the Task Force to Combat FGM: Courts’ treatment of cases confirms civil society’s reservations about legal changes and enforcement of the law.

Press Release for “Merayat” Project: Coalition of Media, Rights, and Feminist Institutes for Monitoring Ramadan Drama 2017/ 2018 from Gender Perspectives.

Tadwein for Gender Studies announces the launch of a new campaign named (#Mayenfaash) to combat FGM. The campaign is coinciding with the International Day Against Female Genital Mutilation, February 6th, 2018. FGM is a form of violence that is practiced against women and girls. According to the World Health Organization, FGM is defined as “any operation that includes the partial or total removal of the female genitalia”. In May 2005, the idea of Global Zero Tolerance for FGM was initiated through the activities of the Conference of the African International Committee on Traditional Practices Affecting the Health of Women and Children.