MicroJustice Legal Rights Protection Program in Egypt: Empowering Women in Asyut

MicroJustice is dedicated to promoting access to justice and protecting legal rights. In December 2022, the MicroJustice team embarked on a consultation mission in Asyut, Egypt, with the aim of understanding and addressing the pressing legal issues faced by women in the region. This meeting served as an opportunity to introduce the MicroJustice Legal Rights Protection Project and engage in an open dialogue about the specific legal challenges that the participants encounter on a daily basis. By delving into their stories and experiences, the consultation sought to shed light on the critical need for legal empowerment and support in Upper Egypt.

During the consultation, the MicroJustice team had the privilege of listening to the narratives of 30 women from Asyut who were grappling with a wide array of legal issues. Their stories provided invaluable insight into the complexities of the legal landscape and the vulnerabilities experienced by women in their pursuit of justice. By amplifying their voices and sharing their struggles, we hope to raise awareness and foster a greater understanding of the urgent need for legal rights protection in Egypt.

Sharing Stories of Struggle

During the consultation, several women bravely shared their personal stories, illustrating the risks they face in a society where legal protection can be elusive. These stories serve as a reminder of the urgent need for accessible legal assistance and empowerment:

1. Heba’s Struggle: Heba, facing a verbal divorce and the loss of custody of her children, highlighted the significance of recognizing oral divorces and ensuring the protection of women’s rights.
2. Ismay’s Land Dispute: Ismay inherited agricultural land but encountered obstacles when trying to sell it due to local customs that favor neighbors as potential buyers. This unequal bargaining power limits her ability to obtain fair compensation.
3. Maha’s Inheritance Battle: Maha’s father had orally distributed his wealth equally among his children, but upon his passing, a will surfaced, disregarding his previous intentions. This case raises questions about the adherence to legal norms and the rightful distribution of assets.
4. Feisha’s Property Dispute: Feisha faced conflict within her family over a house built on governmental land. MicroJustice emphasized that clarity and legal rights protection could have prevented such disputes, promoting a more secure and transparent environment.
5. Na-ama’s Custody Battle: Na-ama sought guidance on restoring custody of her children, which had been awarded to her sister-in-law after she remarried. Understanding the complexities of custody laws is crucial in ensuring the best interests of the children.
6. Noah’s Inheritance Issue: Noah’s uncles disregarded her deceased mother’s entitlement to an equal share of the inheritance based on the interpretation of Sharia law. This case raises important questions about the intersection of cultural practices and legal rights.
7. Khulut’s Rights Limitation: Khulut expressed concerns about her friend, who is restricted by her husband from leaving the house, seeking medical attention for their children, or even visiting her mother. Addressing issues of control and violence within marriages is essential for promoting women’s autonomy.
8. Marina’s Divorce Ordeal: Marina shared the story of her Muslim friend, who was unjustly divorced and denied custody of her children because she gave birth to only girls. This case underscores the need for legal protections against gender-based discrimination and oral divorces.

Empowering Women through Legal Rights Protection

Based on the participants’ stories and concerns, it became evident that there is a lack of awareness and understanding of legal rights among women in Asyut. The MicroJustice team acknowledged the need for targeted support and proposed empowering women as facilitators in their communities. The development of a women’s toolkit, outlining rights, prohibited actions, and strategies for evidence collection, was seen as a valuable resource.

The impact of Microjustice’s work

The consultation in Asyut served as a poignant reminder of the immense challenges faced by women in Upper Egypt in their quest for legal protection and empowerment. The stories shared during the meeting underscored the urgent need for accessible legal assistance, awareness of rights, and cultural change to promote gender equality. MicroJustice remains committed to developing innovative solutions, such as the Digital Legal Aid Platform, to bridge the gap between legal services and those in need, especially in underserved communities.

By amplifying the voices of these courageous women and shedding light on their experiences, we hope to ignite a broader conversation about the importance of legal rights protection and access to justice. It is only through collaborative efforts between organizations like MicroJustice, civil society, and governmental institutions that sustainable change can be achieved.

As we move forward, let us strive for a society where every individual, regardless of their gender or socioeconomic background, can exercise their legal rights and find support in times of need. Together, we can create a more just, inclusive, and empowered future for all.

Disclaimer: The stories and information shared in this blog post are based on a consultation conducted by MicroJustice in Asyut, Egypt. While efforts have been made to provide accurate and representative accounts, the specific details may have been modified to protect the privacy and identities of the individuals involved.