Background
A few years ago, a video captured on mobile of a female Cairo University student being sexually harassed by a group of male students in open daylight on campus went viral, generating calls upon the President of Cairo University to respond to the occurrence of harassment on campus. Feminist academics within the university collectively organised to secure the President’s approval to form an anti-sexual harassment unit that would press for accountability on campus where violations occur. In 2014, he endorsed an anti-sexual harassment policy making Cairo University the first national university to commit to raising awareness about the problem and enforcing disciplinary measures against offenders. However, by 2016 the policy was not yet institutionalised.
About the research project
This initiative explored the coalitional work within Cairo University and across universities for institutionalising anti-sexual harassment policy with broad-based buy-in and “teeth”. The initiative contributes to understandings of norms and values, women’s action, digital activism and vertical expansion.
Key contacts
