Women attacked during sexual harassment protest in Cairo
Egyptian women from all walks of life and regardless of the modesty of their dress say they face sexual harassment on the street on a daily basis. Since last year’s revolution, violent attacks on women have increased. Last Friday a small group of women lined Tahrir Square yelling slogans and holding placards with messages against sexual harassment. Before long, the small protest was mobbed by 250 men who attacked the women with knives, glass and metal bars.
Male supporters of the women tried to fight off the mob but were overpowered.Recently a female demonstrator was mobbed by dozens of men. Video footage shows her being dragged along on the road with her shirt off and kicked by some men while others try to fight them off.Women were integral to the Egyptian revolution that overthrew President Hosni Mubarak last year. Yet their status and treatment has not improved.Organisers of this latest demonstration against sexual harassment say they will not be deterred by the violent attack against them and will continue to organise.