Biography:
Entisar Elsaeed (also spelled Entessar El-Saeed, Intisar al-Saeed) is an Egyptian activist for women’s rights and the founder and director of the Cairo Foundation for Development and Law. Her tireless efforts and dedication to promoting gender equality have made a significant impact on Egyptian society.
Born and raised in Egypt, Elsaeed experienced firsthand the inequalities and injustices faced by women in her country. This fueled her passion to fight for women’s rights and work towards a more equitable society. She recognized the urgent need to address issues such as female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic abuse, and lack of sexual education.
One of Elsaeed’s primary focuses has been to combat the practice of FGM in Egypt, a country with the highest number of women who have undergone this harmful procedure. She has been a vocal advocate for stricter laws and harsher penalties for those involved in perpetrating FGM. However, she also acknowledges the deeply rooted cultural entrenchment of this practice and the challenges in enforcing the laws effectively. Elsaeed’s work in raising awareness about FGM has been instrumental in initiating a dialogue and pushing for societal change.
Elsaeed’s commitment to promoting free speech and defending the rights of individuals extends beyond issues directly related to women’s rights. She has been a strong supporter of two young Egyptian women who faced imprisonment for inciting debauchery due to their TikTok videos. She criticized the inability of many in Egyptian society to adapt to cultural changes brought about by social media and called for greater freedom of expression.
Through the Cairo Foundation for Development and Law, Elsaeed has made significant strides in providing support and resources for victims of domestic abuse. Recognizing the alarming rise in domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her foundation intensified their efforts to address this issue. They increased the production of educational materials on domestic abuse, sexual education, and the importance of gender equality. By adhering to safe COVID protocols, the foundation ensured that they could continue making a positive impact during these challenging times.
Elsaeed’s advocacy for women’s rights goes beyond the confines of Egypt. She has been a vocal proponent of gender equality in various grassroots feminist movements within the country. She emphasizes the importance of new legislation that promotes gender equality in personal status and custody cases. Elsaeed firmly believes in the importance of education and the sharing of educational guardianships to empower women and allow them personal autonomy and freedoms.
As a pioneering activist for women’s rights, Entisar Elsaeed has left an indelible mark on Egyptian society. Her relentless efforts to combat gender-based violence, promote gender equality, and provide support for victims of abuse have made her a beacon of hope for women in Egypt and around the world.