On International Women’s Day .. Tribute to Dr. Laila Soueif and Hennawy Factory Female Workers, Urgent Call to Combat Discrimination
On the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, the Egyptian Center for Economic and Social Rights (ECESR) extends its deepest respect and admiration to all Egyptian women who continue their struggle for their fundamental rights and those of their loved ones. At the forefront is Dr. Laila Soueif, who has undertaken a hunger strike to demand the release of her son, political activist Alaa Abdel Fattah, who remains imprisoned despite having completed his sentence.
ECESR also pays tribute to the female workers of the Hennawy Tobacco Factory, who are subjected to repressive policies, including arbitrary dismissal, forced transfer, workplace harassment, and unlawful wage deductions. Similarly, we honor the workers of Samannoud Textiles, who have faced retaliatory measures for participating in a strike to demand their fundamental rights, as well as all women workers engaged in ongoing struggles against discrimination and exploitation.
Additionally, we extend our solidarity to the families of all women detained in connection with opinion-related cases and to the female relatives of political prisoners, who continue to endure unjustifiable hardship.
In this context, ECESR reiterates its urgent demand for the immediate and unconditional release of all women detained on the basis of political or opinion-related charges, emphasizing that their continued detention constitutes a grave violation of fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution and the law.
ECESR reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of Egyptian women and unequivocally rejects all forms of repression, discrimination, and systematic violence against women across all sectors. The center further underscores the necessity of adopting clear and binding policies and legislative measures to ensure:
1. Full Pay Equity: The right of women to receive equal pay for equal work, in strict compliance with the principle of non-discrimination on the basis of gender.
2. Non-Discrimination in Employment: A legal obligation on institutions to ensure equal opportunities for hiring and promotion, with the imposition of stringent penalties on violators.
3. Combating Workplace Violence and Harassment: The enactment of robust legislation to prevent workplace violence and sexual harassment, the establishment of effective reporting and accountability mechanisms, and the provision of a safe working environment.
4. Economic and Social Empowerment of Women: The implementation of substantive support programs to ensure women’s equal participation in economic activities, enhance financial independence, and safeguard their right to a dignified life free from discrimination and exploitation.
5. Guaranteeing Comprehensive Social Protection: The recognition and enforcement of women’s rights to paid maternity leave and protection against arbitrary dismissal or workplace marginalization due to family responsibilities.
The struggle for women’s rights is inseparable from the broader fight for justice and equality. It is imperative that all efforts be unified to eradicate discrimination and marginalization against women, ensuring the realization of genuine and comprehensive gender equality in rights and responsibilities.
