Will 'girl zones' help Egyptian women?
A controversial new project started by young people aims to establish women-only zones in rural areas of Egypt to provide recreational and educational opportunities.
There's a long list of controversial topics among those who consider themselves feminists. Interpretations vary: Is something liberating or isolating? Exalting or demeaning? Does it level the field or enable ignorance?
The eye of scrutiny is now upon the Girl Zone project, started by six young people from Banha, Egypt, who aim to provide women with services and facilities that are not otherwise available in rural areas. The project in Banha, about 30 miles north of Cairo, is the first of its kind. The group is seeking to expand the project in the future.
The project provides entertainment and education for young women — or does it isolate them?
Al-Monitor spoke with Isra al-Sayyid, a veterinarian participating in the project. “The idea came up as part of a project titled The Zone 16 months ago in the Shibin el-Qanater region in Qalyubia, with the aim of developing the governorate. The idea was a success, although the project was a small one,” Sayyid told Al-Monitor.
