November 30, 2025
Dalia Shehata

Violence against women in Egypt continues to be one of the most urgent yet overlooked human rights issues of our time. From physical and psychological abuse within homes to digital harassment across social media, countless women suffer in silence, trapped by social stigma and weak legal protection. Despite progress in awareness, recent tragic incidents—where Egyptian men brutally murdered their wives—remind us that Egypt still has a long way to go in ensuring women’s safety and dignity.

Every year, Egyptian headlines recount horrifying stories of women murdered by their husbands, fiancés, or even strangers. These acts of violence are not isolated incidents; they reflect deep-rooted cultural and legal shortcomings. In 2022, for example, several high-profile femicide cases shocked the nation, revealing how societal norms often justify male control and aggression. Behind every headline is a woman whose dreams were shattered and whose life was taken simply because she was not seen as equal or deserving of respect.

The Egyptian Penal Code still lacks the firmness needed to deter such crimes. Many perpetrators receive light sentences or find loopholes through so-called “honor” motives or “domestic disputes.” These excuses must no longer be accepted. Violence—whether physical, emotional, or digital—should be treated as a serious crime, not a private matter or a misunderstanding. Egyptian law must evolve to impose strict punishments and offer better protection mechanisms, including shelters, hotlines, and accessible legal aid for women at risk.

My own experience reflects the painful reality that many Egyptian women endure. I suffered from harassment and abuse by my ex-husband while living in Egypt. Like many women, I was trapped between fear, shame, and a lack of support. Speaking up felt dangerous, and seeking justice seemed impossible. Leaving that life behind was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Eventually, I found the courage and opportunity to move to the United States, where I could begin to heal and rebuild my life. But even from afar, I carry with me a deep commitment to help other Egyptian women find the strength and protection they deserve.

In today’s world, violence against women has also taken a new and alarming form—digital violence. Online harassment, cyberbullying, revenge porn, and digital stalking are becoming common tools of control and humiliation. Many Egyptian women face threats or blackmail online, often from people they know personally. The internet, instead of being a space for freedom and expression, becomes a weapon of fear. Social media platforms must be held accountable for ensuring women’s safety online, and Egypt’s cybercrime laws should explicitly address digital gender-based violence.

Education and awareness are key to breaking this cycle. Egyptian society must teach boys and men that masculinity is not measured by dominance or control, but by respect and equality. Schools, mosques, and media outlets have a responsibility to challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote empathy. At the same time, women must be empowered to recognize abuse, seek help, and use technology safely.

However, real change requires more than awareness—it requires action and accountability. The government must enforce stronger laws against domestic and digital violence, create faster reporting systems, and train police officers to handle such cases with sensitivity. Communities must support survivors rather than blame them. Every Egyptian woman deserves to live without fear of violence, whether inside her home or on her phone.