The screen shot of a young woman’s Facebook Messenger account showed an all-too-familiar monologue playing out starting with a man sending a direct message saying “Slm” (hi). No reply. A month later, “slm,” then “slm” again the next day. When that opening gambit failed to provoke a response, the man sent a photo of him exposing himself to the woman.
Those messages, along with two similar salvos sent to the same recipient, are among the thousands of first hand accounts of sexual harassment and violence Tunisian women and LGBTQ people have shared on the #EnaZeda or #MeToo Facebook page in recent months.
In 2019, Facebook helped usher in what feminists and women’s rights activists hoped would be the next great revolution in North Africa: holding men to account for sexual harassment and violence. But two years later, the platforms where women have turned most often to share their stories have become the leading tool for sexual harassment.
The #EnaZeda movement was born shortly after a newly-elected legislator was caught on video performing an obcene act outside a girls’ school in the autumn of 2019 (a charge he denied). After the video was posted online, personal testimonies of sexual harassment and violence from women around the country streamed onto social media.
Several feminist activists and organisations saw the need to corral those stories into a public forum where they could be amplified, and took to Facebook to do so.
A group was set up to discuss topics ranging from street harassment to sexism in politics, and a page dedicated to publishing the personal testimonies of physical, psychological, digital, verbal and financial abuse suffered by Tunisian women now has more than 65,000 followers.
A recent study carried out by the Centre of Research, Studies, Documentation and Information About Women (Crédif) found that 80 per cent of Tunisian women had suffered online harassment, usually in the form of explicit, badgering or violent messages on Facebook. Nearly one in seven women have been called a "whore`”.
The deluge of stories from women across the country has instigated a sea change in the discourse around women's rights and safety in Tunisia. But a recent surge in online harassment has made Facebook increasingly dangerous for women.
"They receive unwanted, harassing messages or photos,” explained Sonia Ben Miled, one of the founders of the #EnaZeda Facebook group and member of Aswaat Nissa, a women’s rights organisation.
The #EnaZeda page has published hundreds of screenshots of harassing Facebook Messenger interactions, often leaving the perpetrator’s name and profile in full view of its large and active audience.
The page does not independently verify the reports, and only redacts the names of the victims, and any graphic images.
Tunisia’s women are not alone in their struggle to access social networks safely.
A recent survey in 22 countries showed an alarming surge in online abuse against girls and women.
The survey, conducted by Plan International, found that 58 per cent of the more than 14,000 young women and teens they followed had been victims of cyber harassment.
Facebook was the leading platform for those attacks, with 39 per cent of respondents saying they’d encountered harassment on the platform.
Covid-19 has only amplified the situation.
Tunisia went through months of lockdown last spring; the 8pm curfew, which has been in place since the lockdown lifted, will be moved to 10pm beginning on Monday. With movement restricted, women are spending more time online to stay connected with their friends and families, but so are their attackers.
“We see more girls and women who are harassed on social media, because everyone is trapped in their house," explained Ben Miled. Abusers follow a similar pattern online as they do offline, seeking to isolate and humiliate women.
International Women's Day in pictures
That isolation is felt particularly by women who are already struggling through lockdown, and often unemployment. With the lockdown stressing an already flagging economy, nearly a quarter of Tunisian women are currently unemployed.
While some of the women who share their stories with #EnaZeda receive messages from men they don’t know, many are harassed by acquaintances, neighbours or even relations. Those messages can often turn into threats of physical violence when the recipient ignores the sender.
“It’s a dangerous situation because it is difficult to do anything about it,” Ben Miled said.
In 2017, Tunisia’s parliament passed Law 58, a landmark piece of legislation on violence against women. The sweeping law covers everything from street harassment to marital rape, a first in the Arab world. But one component is conspicuously absent: online harassment.
The absence of an explicit clause on cyber violence leaves cases to be assessed at a judge’s discretion. As a result, some 95 per cent of those who have been abused do not press charges in Tunisia, according to the Crédif study.
Najima Kousri Labidi, a founder of the #EnaZeda Facebook page and a women’s rights activist hopes pressure will work to change the attitudes around the law and the role it could play in combating digital harassment.
“We haven’t heard about any cases of harassment being condemned, even though the law has existed for three years now,” she explained. “We want to put pressure on judges so they will use the law.”
Though sexual harassment is in clear violation of Facebook’s community standards, the company, which did not respond to a request for comment, has long struggled to combat sexual harassment on its platforms (Facebook owns Instagram and Whatsapp, two other leading platforms for harassment, according to the Plan International Study).
For Ikram Ben Said, another member of Aswaat Nissa, Facebook’s drawbacks don’t outweigh its advantages. She notes that while women often feel isolated and invisible when they are harassed online, “the sense of solidarity that we have witnessed during this movement resists invisibility”.
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
MATCH INFO
Real Madrid 2 (Benzema 13', Kroos 28')
Barcelona 1 (Mingueza 60')
Red card: Casemiro (Real Madrid)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam
Manchester United v Club America
When: Thursday, 9pm Arizona time (Friday UAE, 8am)
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
The five pillars of Islam
More on Quran memorisation:
Remaining fixtures
- August 29 – UAE v Saudi Arabia, Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
- September 5 – Iraq v UAE, Amman, Jordan (venue TBC)
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UK%20record%20temperature
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WORLD CUP SQUAD
Dimuth Karunaratne (Captain), Angelo Mathews, Avishka Fernando, Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis (wk), Kusal Perera (wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Isuru Udana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Jeevan Mendis, Milinda Siriwardana, Lasith Malinga, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep
Ahmed Raza
UAE cricket captain
Age: 31
Born: Sharjah
Role: Left-arm spinner
One-day internationals: 31 matches, 35 wickets, average 31.4, economy rate 3.95
T20 internationals: 41 matches, 29 wickets, average 30.3, economy rate 6.28
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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The years Ramadan fell in May
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
The years Ramadan fell in May
Winners
Ballon d’Or (Men’s)
Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain / France)
Ballon d’Or Féminin (Women’s)
Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona / Spain)
Kopa Trophy (Best player under 21 – Men’s)
Lamine Yamal (Barcelona / Spain)
Best Young Women’s Player
Vicky López (Barcelona / Spain)
Yashin Trophy (Best Goalkeeper – Men’s)
Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City / Italy)
Best Women’s Goalkeeper
Hannah Hampton (England / Aston Villa and Chelsea)
Men’s Coach of the Year
Luis Enrique (Paris Saint-Germain)
Women’s Coach of the Year
Sarina Wiegman (England)
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Read more about the coronavirus
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Disability on screen
Empire — neuromuscular disease myasthenia gravis; bipolar disorder; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Rosewood and Transparent — heart issues
24: Legacy — PTSD;
Superstore and NCIS: New Orleans — wheelchair-bound
Taken and This Is Us — cancer
Trial & Error — cognitive disorder prosopagnosia (facial blindness and dyslexia)
Grey’s Anatomy — prosthetic leg
Scorpion — obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety
Switched at Birth — deafness
One Mississippi, Wentworth and Transparent — double mastectomy
Dragons — double amputee
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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More on animal trafficking
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The five pillars of Islam
BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
box
COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
The five pillars of Islam
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
Results:
6.30pm: Maiden | US$45,000 (Dirt) | 1,400 metres
Winner: Tabarak, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Rashed Bouresly (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap | $175,000 (Turf) | 3,200m
Winner: Dubhe, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Group 3 | $250,000 (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Estihdaaf, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor
8.15pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Nordic Lights, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 Group 2 | $450,000 (D) | 1,900m
Winner: North America, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
9.25pm: Handicap | $175,000 (T) | 1,200m
Winner: Mazzini, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
10pm: Handicap | $135,000 (T) | 1,400m.
Winner: Mubtasim, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
More coverage from the Future Forum
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
BUNDESLIGA FIXTURES
(All games 4-3pm kick UAE time) Bayern Munich v Augsburg, Borussia Dortmund v Bayer Leverkusen, Hoffenheim v Hertha Berlin, Wolfsburg v Mainz , Eintracht Frankfurt v Freiburg, Union Berlin v RB Leipzig, Cologne v Schalke , Werder Bremen v Borussia Monchengladbach, Stuttgart v Arminia Bielefeld
Company%20profile
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The specs: Audi e-tron
Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)
Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack
Transmission: Single-speed auto
Power: 408hp
Torque: 664Nm
Range: 400 kilometres
Qosty Byogaani
Starring: Hani Razmzi, Maya Nasir and Hassan Hosny
Four stars