Company: Speak Up, Giza, Egypt
Company Description: Speak up is an Egyptian feminist initiative to support victims of gender-based violence in all its forms, aiming toward a safe community where women are empowered to speak up for themselves and not be shamed by their societies through: Pro bono legal and psychological solidarity, campaigns against harassers and rapists, awareness campaigns, and pushing for legislations reforms.
Nomination Category: Individual Awards Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Woman of the Year - Government or Non-Profit
 Nomination Title: Gehad Hamdy - Executive Director
- Which will you submit for your nomination in this category, a video of up to five (5) minutes, explaining the achievements since July 1, 2022 of the nominated woman, OR written answers to the questions? (Choose one):
Written answers to the questions
- If you are submitting a video of up to five (5) minutes in length, provide the URL of the video here, OR attach it to your entry via the "Add Attachments, Videos, or Links to This Entry" link above, through which you may also upload a copy of your video. If you are submitting written answers to the questions for this category, provide them in the spaces below:
- Outline the nominee's achievements since July 1 2022 that you wish to bring to the judges' attention (up to 250 words):
Total 237 words used.
Since July 1, 2022, Gehad Hamdy has continued to lead Speak Up with unwavering dedication and has achieved notable milestones in advancing women's rights and combating gender-based violence in Egypt:
1. Expansion of Services: Gehad oversaw the expansion of Speak Up's services, providing free legal and psychological assistance to over 3,000 additional victims of gender-based violence. This expansion included outreach to marginalized communities and underserved areas, ensuring broader access to crucial support services.
2. Impactful Advocacy Campaigns: Under Gehad's leadership, Speak Up launched targeted advocacy campaigns that garnered widespread attention and support. These campaigns focused on exposing and holding accountable perpetrators of sexual harassment and violence, resulting in legal actions against multiple offenders and significant public awareness on the issue.
3. Legislative Advocacy: Gehad continued to advocate for legislative reforms, leveraging Speak Up's influence to push for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women's rights. This advocacy contributed to ongoing efforts to implement and strengthen legal protections against gender-based violence in Egypt.
4. Recognition and Awards: Gehad's impactful leadership was recognized globally, including being named on of BBC's 100 women in the world finalist for the International Humanitarian Award by Women4Africa 2022.
5. Community Engagement and Education: Gehad initiated community engagement programs and educational workshops aimed at empowering women and educating the public about gender equality issues. These initiatives have empowered survivors to speak out and seek support while challenging societal norms that perpetuate harassment and violence.
- Briefly describe the nominated individual: history and past performance (up to 200 words):
Total 160 words used.
Gehad Hamdy, a 29-year-old dentist turned activist, is the founder and driving force behind Speak Up, a pioneering initiative against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in Egypt. In 2020, Gehad's profound concern over societal attitudes towards harassment prompted her to launch Speak Up on social media, sparking an immediate and overwhelming response. Her initiative quickly evolved into a prominent platform offering victims psychological support, legal guidance, and a safe space for empowerment.
Under Gehad's leadership, Speak Up has achieved remarkable milestones, including advocating for legislative amendments that led to the criminalization of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Egypt. Her strategic campaigns have exposed and brought justice to high-profile perpetrators of sexual violence, contributing to significant shifts in cultural norms and legal reforms. Gehad's commitment to empowering women and challenging societal barriers has earned her global recognition, such as being named one of BBC's "100 Most Influential Women in the World" and receiving prestigious awards for her leadership and humanitarian efforts.
- Reference any attachments of supporting materials throughout this nomination and how they provide evidence of the claims you have made in this nomination (up to 250 words):
Total 109 words used.
Gehad's CV
Speak Up impact report for 2023
Gehad's awards
● BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women in the World, 2022
● Gold Award Winner: Social Change Maker of the Year in Gender by The Stevie Awards, 2022
● Finalist for the Equal Rights and Non-Discrimination award at the World Justice Forum, 2022
● Finalist for Aidex Humanitarian Hero Award, 2022
● Winner of two prizes: The Changemaker and The Humanitarian awards by Women SME Leaders Awards by Entrepreneur Middle East and Mastercard, 2022
● Winner of the International Humanitarian award by Women4Africa, 2021
● Finalist for the Women Empowerment Award by Africa Women Innovation & Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF), 2021
- Explain why the achievements you have highlighted are unique or significant. If possible compare the achievements to the performance of other players in your industry and/or to the nominee's past performance (up to 250 words):
Total 233 words used.
- Expansion of Services and Outreach: Gehad's leadership saw Speak Up significantly expand its reach and service provision, particularly in marginalized communities. This proactive approach not only increased access to vital support services but also demonstrated a strategic response to the diverse needs of victims of gender-based violence, surpassing the scope of many similar organizations in Egypt.
- Impactful Advocacy and Legal Actions: Under Gehad's guidance, Speak Up launched high-impact advocacy campaigns that resulted in legal actions against perpetrators of sexual harassment and violence. These campaigns not only brought justice to victims but also raised public awareness and challenged entrenched cultural norms. Compared to previous periods, these efforts represent an escalation in both scale and effectiveness, marking a notable evolution in Speak Up's advocacy capabilities.
- Legislative Influence and Global Recognition: Gehad's continued advocacy for legislative reforms, such as stronger enforcement of laws protecting women's rights, demonstrates a sustained commitment to systemic change. This persistence has not only advanced legal protections but has also garnered international recognition, positioning Gehad as a prominent figure in the global fight against gender-based violence.
- Community Engagement and Educational Initiatives: Gehad's initiatives to engage communities and educate the public about gender equality issues have fostered a more informed and empowered society. These efforts go beyond immediate support to survivors, aiming to shift societal attitudes and behaviors—an approach that sets Speak Up apart from many traditional advocacy organizations.
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