December 3, 2024
The rise of digital violence against women in Egypt has created an environment where women face severe consequences to their mental health, safety, and freedom of expression. This type of violence often manifests through cyberbullying, blackmail, and public shaming, restricting women’s ability to participate freely in digital spaces, as we are able to discern from the given sources. According to Tarek (2024), cyberbullying has been increasingly linked to mental distress, with cases of suicide occurring among young Egyptian women as a result. In addition, the high majority of cases of cyberbullying, as found by a quantitative study done by Speak Up, up to 90% of respondents to the cases were women (ibid). Despite recent advancements in digital legislation, the prevalence of online abuse underscores a critical need for effective protections and increased societal awareness.
Forms of Digital Violence and Psychological Impact
Digital violence against women takes on numerous forms, including cyberbullying, blackmail, and reputational attacks. Women like Egyptian poet Fatima Naoot, who are active voices in the public sphere, endure relentless harassment Hawary (2024). Naoot reflects, “In the reactionary mindset of Egypt’s conservative culture, the simplest way to attack a woman is to degrade her,” highlighting that harassment can range from fabricated vulgar photos to personal mockery of one’s appearance (ibid). Comparing this to instances like those faced by young students such as Nayera Salah, Tarek (2024) points out that cyberbullying can escalate to life-threatening mental distress, showing the spectrum of emotional harm inflicted on women in Egypt’s digital spaces.
Such experiences have led many women to limit their online presence, fearful of reputational damage and public backlash. Naoot notes how the attacks targeted even her autistic son, calling the experience “unsurmountable,” a sentiment echoed by Speak Up (2024), which reports the mental toll that online abuse has on women, often inducing fear, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation.
Legal and Social Barriers to Justice
While Egypt has made legislative efforts, barriers remain for women who wish to seek justice for digital abuse. The anti-cyber and information technology crimes law introduced in 2018 aimed to tackle digital harassment, yet its enforcement has fallen short. Tarek (2024) notes that in a recent survey, only 11 percent of complaints resulted in the apprehension of perpetrators, while 41 percent were dismissed without action. Legal systems, slow to adapt to digital challenges, leave victims without recourse, a reality exacerbated by societal norms that discourage women from reporting such crimes. According to Salam (2022), even women seeking help on social media platforms, such as TikTok influencer Menna Abdelaziz, have been subjected to legal retaliation instead of support.
The restrictive social norms play a major role in the underreporting of cases. The Speak Up (2024) report highlights that only 10 percent of those facing blackmail report it to the authorities, primarily out of fear of family backlash or public stigma. This pervasive culture of silence often leaves women without support or protection, amplifying the impact of digital violence.
The Potential and Paradox of Digital Spaces
Despite the challenges, digital platforms have also enabled some Egyptian women to advocate for justice. The “Assault Police” movement, led by Nadeen Ashraf, is a powerful example. As Salam (2022) explains, Ashraf created a digital anti-harassment revolution, exposing serial offender Ahmed Bassam Zaki and prompting legal action against him. This movement demonstrated the potential of social media as a tool for justice and empowerment, offering women a space to voice their experiences and demand accountability. Yet, as Salam (2022) notes, the backlash against women on platforms like TikTok reveals a societal pushback aimed at reasserting control over women’s bodies and voices, using digital laws to uphold patriarchal values.
Toward a Safer Digital Future for Egyptian Women
To address these issues, strengthening and effectively enforcing digital protection laws is essential. Egypt’s existing laws, including the National Strategy for Combating Violence Against Women (2015-2020), lay the groundwork but require actionable support and public education (Salam, 2022). As Speak Up (2024) suggests, social influences are pivotal in addressing cybercrime, emphasizing the need for campaigns that dismantle cultural norms condoning digital abuse. Comprehensive digital literacy programs can empower women to safeguard their online presence and report harassment confidently.
Egypt must prioritize closing the gap between legislative intent and enforcement, establishing support mechanisms and fostering a culture that respects women’s autonomy. Only then can digital spaces in Egypt become safer for women, enabling them to engage without fear of violence or repression.
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