Vicious cycle for women’s security in MENA

Women call for their rights in Middle East Serious safety and security risks are impacting on women’s ability to shape the political transitions in Egypt, Libya and Yemen, finds a report released today by international organisation Saferworld. “It’s dangerous to be the first”: Security barriers to women's public participation in Egypt, Libya and Yemen” finds that women are seriously worried that states are not responding to their growing security concerns and, in many instances, state security providers are part of the problem. Consultations with over 400 women from a variety of social groups across the three countries found that rising crime, the widespread availability of weapons, and violent conflict between armed groups are major security threats. In addition, women face targeted violence against them, including harassment, sexual assault, threats of violence, and slander. Many perceive the police to be ineffectual and even part of the problem.Threats associated with honour and reputation present a particular challenge for politically active women and are being used by established power-holders as a political tool to side-line women from public life and restrict their opportunities to feed into policy and decision-making.
There are signs that a vicious cycle is in operation where insecurity reduces women’s political participation and low participation in turn means continued insecurity for women as their safety concerns are not taken into consideration by formal and informal authorities. One woman from Taiz, Yemen, commented: “It seemed like the entire drive behind the media and partisan politics was aimed at sending women back home and restricting their participation.”
“Women in the region are facing a whole range of insecurities, but the capacity for women to address these issues shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Kate Nevens, Head of MENA for Saferworld. “From advocacy for changing laws, initiatives addressing sexual harassment, to community groups involved in disarmament initiatives women are playing a key role in responding to these insecurities, even though women’s security is a concern that is being largely overlooked by the state.”
“Governments in this region must commit to building security sectors that are responsive to women’s needs and at the same time increase opportunities for women to be involved in decision-making on security issues,” Nevens commented.
The report recommends that governments and civil society in MENA should focus on:
Creating a more responsive and accountable security sector through reform processes that include women’s perspectives and include women’s specific concerns in setting national and local priorities.
Involving women in security provision, by building on women’s potential contributions in disarmament and linking police and communities, increasing the number of women police officers, and ensuring internal police procedures promote equality.
Increasing opportunities for women to influence decision-making, by making public space safer for women, being aware of barriers they face, and providing gender-sensitive access to formal and informal institutions.
Backing women’s networks and international and regional solidarity, by strengthening women’s alliances and encouraging them to reach out to grassroots constituencies.
Reducing the threat from defamation and slander, by limiting the ability of all actors to threaten or incite violence against women or any other group and by helping the media fact-check stories, exercise due diligence and refrain from libel and defamation.