In the past 18 months, by trapping women with their abusers, COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns have worsened the already-widespread violence against women while preventing many of them from getting help. But even those who do manage to contact the police come up against another long-standing challenge: a culture and system that treats the survivor as a big part of the problem.

From flash mobs to bicycle races, street marches to art exhibits, and even illuminating landmarks and buildings in orange light, people around the world banded together during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence by “oranging their neighbourhoods.”

Lakshmi Puri expresses concern over reports of the high prevalence of sexual assaults against women in public spaces. She urges women's participation in public life and says the inclusion of their needs and priorities in any political solution is a prerequisite for inclusive democracy in Egypt.