Critics of Ramadan TV say violence against women not entertainment
Some of this year's Ramadan TV series in Egypt are being called out over gratuitous scenes of violence against women.
“Violence, beatings, extortion and rape” are the main plots of most of the drama works in the month of Ramadan, according to the governmental National Council for Women.
Suzan al-Qalini, a member of the council and rapporteur for the media committee, said in an April 19 statement, “While it is a positive step to shed light on this issue that hinders the progress and evolvement of society, … showing graphic scenes of violence against women harms the cause more than it serves it.”
She explained that the imagery could lead to emulation of violence and that women are portrayed as vulnerable individuals that are constantly being abused. She said that image is not in line with the recent political, economic and social achievements of Egyptian women.
“This also violates the ethical code for women’s affairs that was issued by the council’s media committee, which seeks and encourages the presentation of true, non-stereotypical images of Egyptian women in their families and society,” Qalini added.
