#Rural life in middle east full

There is a growing concern that security will continue to deteriorate, and that villages far away from the city could become easy targets for local crime. This is also true in the sense of a growing feeling of a lack of local policy and security within the villages. There is also a sense that now during the transition, they continue to be the most vulnerable because the steady rise of costs (there is no longer any government control of agriculture products (seeds, fertilizers, etc.) as well as the increase in day to day cost of living is potentially going to create a sense of resentment over the revolution. Yet many pointed out that they physically could not participate in the protest because of job commitments, needs of the land, or in some cases they simply could not afford the transportation cost.

They expressed deep solidarity with the protestors in Tahrir square, and feel through this solidarity they were part of the movement. The smallest economic impact could ruin farmer’s and fishermen’s livelihood for an entire season. However, there are three distinct areas that were highlighted during my meetings with local women's committees, farmer and fisherman collectives, and community-based organizations.įirst, they pointed out that they are the most vulnerable of the population. And now, there is a stronger desire to become aware of the constitution - both historically as well as the new reforms that are being introduced. For example, each village formed impromptu local community councils during the days of protest to fill the security vacuum that threatened to take over the country. They echoed youth in Cairo's statement that they are feeling a return of Egyptian nationalism, and reclaiming their role as citizen in the country. The rural areas across Egypt are sharing with their urban patriots a strong sense of pride and nationalism. The uprising in Egypt has been seen in the West as a largely urban phenomenon. There haven’t been investigations or interference into such incidents by the Military Council, thereby fueling a climate of fear for women. In addition to rumors, there have been several incidents, such as a woman being accused of dishonorable acts in Sadat City and her house being burned down.

#Rural life in middle east full

In the current environment, perception is reality, and the rumor mill is in full swing. No incident materialized, but the announcement was enough to leave women feeling threatened and pull girls out of schools. During my trip, an announcement was made in Menia that there would be a day of Salafi protests, and acid would be thrown on any uncovered woman. There is already a growing fear of a 'Salafi' movement inside the country, with stories of attacks on women across the rural areas. Meanwhile, there is a fear that monolithic interpretations of Islamic law will be introduced by some of the more extremist viewpoints in the Muslim community. In the last few years, the laws passed promoting women's issues are tied directly to former First Lady Suzanne Mubarak. The second challenge is recognizing the possibility of women's rights sliding backwards, and proactively working to ensure that does not happen. The most cited was the fact that the language assumes the president will be male. Already there is concern over language introduced for constitutional reform. The main issue is to make sure they remain at the decision making table, and as part of the ongoing negotiations with the military. Women were clearly part of the revolution, and played a distinct role in Tahrir Square. First, is to ensure that they are part of the process. There are two immediate challenges facing women. What specific challenges do women in Egypt face during this transitional period?

What are the expectations of Egyptians today about how the transition will affect their lives? What will the consequences be if their expectations are not met?.

The uprising in Egypt has been seen in the West as a largely urban phenomenon.

What specific challenges do women in Egypt face during this transitional period?.Following longtime leader Hosni Mubarak’s departure, USIP’s Manal Omar traveled to Egypt in early April to assess how the recent turmoil there has impacted rural communities and women.