Born: 1985 (Cairo, Egypt)
Biography:
Engy Ayman Ghozlan, born in Cairo in 1985, is a prominent social activist and journalist who has dedicated her career to addressing the issue of sexual harassment of women in Egypt. She earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Cairo University in 2007 and has since become a leading advocate for women’s rights in the country.
Ghozlan’s personal experience with the trauma of sexual harassment motivated her to take action. In 2005, she joined the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights (ECWR), an NGO at the forefront of the fight against sexual harassment. At ECWR, Ghozlan played a key role as a project manager, working tirelessly to make Egypt a safer place for women.
In 2005, the ECWR initiated a groundbreaking study to collect data on the scope of sexual harassment in Egypt. The survey, which involved 2,800 women in Cairo and five other governorates, revealed that a staggering 33% of women faced daily incidents of sexual harassment. Many of these cases went unreported due to fear of societal backlash and the prevailing cultural norms that did not support the victims. The survey also unveiled the alarming fact that some women blamed themselves for the harassment they faced.
As part of her efforts to raise awareness and combat sexual harassment, Ghozlan launched a media campaign in 2008 called Making Egypt’s Streets Safe for All. Through interviews online, on television, and in newspapers, she aimed to educate the Egyptian public about what constitutes sexual harassment, as the country lacked a clear, legal definition of the term. Ghozlan fearlessly challenged the authorities and even disputed official statistics, suggesting that the number of rape cases in Egypt was much higher than reported.
In 2010, Ghozlan co-founded HarassMap, a voluntary organization that utilizes digital and online technology to document incidents of sexual harassment. Initially launched under the umbrella of the ECWR, Ghozlan and her co-founder, Rebecca Chiao, eventually took HarassMap independent. The organization has played a crucial role in shedding light on the prevalence of sexual harassment and providing support to survivors.
Ghozlan’s activism extended beyond her work with ECWR and HarassMap. She actively participated in the Tahrir Square Revolution in 2011, a social media-fueled uprising that aimed to overthrow President Hosni Mubarak. Ghozlan, along with countless other women, took to the streets to demand freedom and social justice.
Throughout her career, Engy Ghozlan has been widely recognized as the voice and face of efforts against sexual harassment in Egypt. Her tireless advocacy, courage, and determination have made significant contributions to the women’s rights movement in the country. She continues to inspire others to join the fight for a safer and more equal society.
Awards:
– [Insert any official awards or recognitions received by Engy Ghozlan here]