Why Did the Muslim Brotherhood Reject the Document on Combating Violence Against Women?

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The Egyptian news website Sada El-Balad highlighted the Muslim Brotherhood’s rejection of the document on combating violence against women and the situation of women under their rule.

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The website reported that on March 4, 2013, during Egypt’s participation in the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, Pakinam El-Sharkawy, advisor to former President Mohamed Morsi, expressed strong opposition to the document titled “Combating All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls.” This document was drafted during the Commission’s 57th session in New York.

Pakinam El-Sharkawy made fiery remarks during the Commission’s proceedings, declaring her rejection of the document on the grounds that it conflicted with the cultural and religious values of society. She argued that the document “compelled countries to adopt legislations that contradict cultural and religious values,” emphasizing the need for the UN to respect cultural and religious diversity among nations.

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This rejection was not an individual stance but represented an official reaction from the Muslim Brotherhood, which was in power at the time. The organization viewed the document as conflicting with the religious and cultural values of Egyptian society and as an attempt to alter concepts related to family and gender relations, which they deemed incompatible with Islamic law.

The Muslim Brotherhood issued a strongly-worded statement claiming that the document “delegitimized the marital relationship,” establishing relations between men and women based on “mere voluntary encounters.” They also criticized what they perceived as an attempt to abolish early marriage, replacing it with “early adultery and deviance,” according to their religious interpretation.

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The statement further argued that the document contradicted Islamic law provisions enshrined in the Egyptian Constitution. While the organization claimed to support women’s rights, it rejected certain provisions of the document, which they alleged called for “abolishing polygamy,” “equal inheritance for men and women,” and “removing the husband’s right to divorce.” The group also opposed articles raising the legal marriage age to 18, permitting abortion, and providing contraceptives to teenagers.

This position sparked intense debates in political and human rights circles, raising many questions about women’s rights under the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule and the challenges they faced.

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The organization also proposed drafting a new law to restructure the National Council for Women, suggesting it be placed under the Shura Council’s jurisdiction, and launching an alternative document that aligned with their vision of women’s rights.

On the other hand, Egyptian Ambassador Mervat Tallawy, then head of the National Council for Women, made sharp statements against the Muslim Brotherhood’s rule, describing their tenure as “the worst” period in the history of Egyptian women.

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Tallawy noted that the presidency of Mohamed Morsi saw a significant rise in violence against women, including mass sexual harassment during peaceful protests, which she regarded as an attempt to exclude women from public life.

She also stated that the National Council for Women had drafted a law to combat violence against women, but the Muslim Brotherhood blocked its passage, according to Sada El-Balad.

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It was concluded that the Muslim Brotherhood’s rejection of the “Combating All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls” document revealed their opposition to modern global trends regarding women’s rights and gender equality.