ASMAA FATHI

Cairo- The global economic crisis hits women harder. The “feminization of poverty” phenomenon is a global phenomenon and Egyptian women feel this phenomenon in all spheres of life. In the country, many women suffer from financial difficulties. Lawyer and women’s rights activist Mona Salem says this phenomenon has been recently discussed but “it is a cruel reality that many developing countries, including Egypt, suffer from."

Child marriage

Stating that most child marriages end in divorce, Mona Salem said, “Most the divorced women live in poverty. They are left alone with their children and have to bear all the burdens of life. Women endure the poverty of their families before they get married but families force their daughters into child marriage to earn money.”

Underlining that awareness-raising activities and campaigns can prevent child marriage and the feminization of poverty, Mona Salem added, “The government should take actions against child marriage and trafficking of women.”

Emphasizing that women should raise awareness to achieve their rights, Mona Salem said, “Awareness-raising activities and campaigns are needed to change the patriarchal mentality.”