Sexual harassment is an all-too-real specter that has long haunted the streets of Egypt. It’s a well-known phenomenon, but the fear of its repercussions often silences its victims and obscures the true extent of the problem. 

Even those willing to combat sexual harassment often face obstacles set up by the very security officials charged with preventing it. Yet despite the limitations imposed on anti-harassment programs, and the resulting decline in field work that is carried out, new initiatives are being launched.

In September, the Aman (Security) Initiative started under the wing of the Musawah Organization for Training and Counseling. The initiative aims to fight sexual harassment and secure peace and safety for women in Egypt.

It’s not that the issue has been ignored, as several achievements have been made recently after years of efforts by civil societies and the state. Among these achievements are the sexual harassment law — the first of its kind in Egypt, enacted in June 2014 — and the establishment of the first female-only police force in May 2013.