Category: Human Rights

Human Rights, Violence against women, Women's Rights1 Comment

Malala Yousafzadi’s Journey to the UN

Women of Egypt

— By Alexandra Kinias — Malala Yousafzadi is a breath of fresh air in an environment polluted with gunpowder and radicalism. She is a spring blossom growing in a field of thorny bushes, only to be injured by their needles. In October 2012, on her way back from school, Malala’s school bus was ambushed by the Taliban. She was shot with one bullet, which went through her head, neck, and ended in her shoulder. The young girl was left to die, together with two of her friends who were also shot on site. She was fifteen years old. Though Malala … Continue reading Malala Yousafzadi’s Journey to the UN

Human Rights, Women Rights in Egypt2 Comments

Egyptian teacher Demiana Abdelnour is the new victim of blasphemy case

Women of Egypt

By: Alexandra Kinias — Defamation of religion is a phenomenon that is practiced in societies where religious extremism is rooted. In such societies, zealots condemn, prosecute and kill those who speak out against their faith, while giving themselves the license to do and say the exact same against other religions. With the rise of Islamists to power, Egypt is aggressively following in the footsteps of countries that have been labeled amongst the worse in human rights, freedom of expression and religion. The detention of 24-years old Coptic school teacher Demiana Abdelnour on May 8th is another reminder to where the … Continue reading Egyptian teacher Demiana Abdelnour is the new victim of blasphemy case

Human Rights, Women Rights in Egypt5 Comments

Muslim Brotherhood against gender equality in Egypt

Women of Egypt

Written by: Alexandra Kinias — The rise of Egypt’s Muslim Brotherhood to power exposed their misogynist and chauvinist faces, which they had concealed with masks of modernity for too long, to convince the west that they represent a moderate view of Islam. The fall of these masks left no doubt that the road to resurrect their Islamic empire is paved with the bodies of women, minorities and their opponents. Their last episode of denouncing the UN’s declaration on women’s rights revealed the organization’s true beliefs and principles. Rejecting this declaration that focused on urging an end to violence against women … Continue reading Muslim Brotherhood against gender equality in Egypt

Human Rights, Violence against women, Women's Rights1 Comment

Execution of Rizana Nafeek: A Slap to Human Rights

Women of Egypt

By: Alexandra Kinias Rizana Nafeek’s name might not have caught the attention of many people and unfortunately it will soon be forgotten by those who knew her story, but not by her loved ones who are still grieving her death. After being convicted of murdering her employer’s four months old son in Saudi Arabia, a crime she strongly denied, Nafeek was publicly executed and beheaded with a sword. Driven by poverty, seventeen years old Nafeek, daughter of a woodcutter, left her small village in Sri-Lanka in 2005 after landing a job as a housemaid in Saudi Arabia. She was among … Continue reading Execution of Rizana Nafeek: A Slap to Human Rights

Human Rights2 Comments

The Stolen Lives of Mauritania’s Slaves

Women of Egypt

  By: Alexandra Kinias The news from Mauritania, the sub-Saharan country to the west of the African continent on the Atlantic coast, hardly catches anyone’s attention or interest, to say the least. With its vast deserts and small population, hidden among its sand dunes, and an economy that ranks among the poorest in the world, Mauritanians are living on the fringe of humanity. The forgotten nation was brought to the light when CNN made a special documentary that sheds the light on Mauritania’s slavery that is still practiced today. All men are created equal theoretically applies in Mauritania. In 1981, the … Continue reading The Stolen Lives of Mauritania’s Slaves