Jessica Gray, Author at ihtbd

Anti-FGM Campaigners Mark Progress in Egypt

By Jessica Gray ● Uncategorized ● December 20, 2013

After the death of 13-year-old Suhair al Bata'a this summer, an intensive awareness campaign about the hazards of FGM/C reached into 11 governorates across Egypt. But advocates say the battle against a practice dating back to the age of the Pharaohs will take time and persistence.

Women Still Scarce in Egypt's Constitution Process

By Jessica Gray ● Uncategorized ● September 18, 2013

The five women on the new Constituent Assembly are all considered very strong representatives, but activists say they are simply too few. Morsi loyalists meanwhile are in hiding and say all human rights in the country are compromised.

Assaults Underscore Egyptian Women's Shaky Status

By Jessica Gray ● Uncategorized ● July 9, 2013

An anti-harassment group is crowd funding for a nationwide media campaign asking everyday Egyptians to stop ignoring the problem and start intervening in mob attacks. Systemic, cultural change is tied to a political leadership structure totally in flux.

Egyptians Patrol Tahrir Square for Mob Sex Assaults

By Jessica Gray ● Uncategorized ● January 24, 2013

A massive gathering is planned today in Cairo's Tahrir Square to mark the second anniversary of the Egyptian Revolution. Activists working to curb mob sex assaults won't be celebrating. They'll be watching for these assaults and victims who need help.

Egypt's Constitution Vote Rings Sharia Alarm Bells

By Jessica Gray ● Uncategorized ● December 12, 2012

After three weeks of sometimes violent revolt against Morsi's pro-Islamist power grab, Egypt is slated to hold a vote this weekend on a controversial draft constitution. For women concerned about divorce rights and FGM, the spotlight falls on the loosely worded Article 10.