Dr. Heba Hagrass

On Disability Rights and Challenges in Egypt

Dr. Heba Hagrass, board member of the National Council for Women and member of the advisory committee of the National Council for Disabilities Affairs in Egypt, has been widely recognized as an advocate for Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Egypt, the Arab region, and the world since 1989. An international consultant and trainer on the rights of people with disabilities, Dr. Hagrass strongly believes that persons with disabilities need to know their rights and have their voices heard; she has trained grassroots disability leaders on advocacy and lobbying. Becoming a member of the Egyptian parliament, Dr. Hagrass has now set her sights on the policy level in order to make Egyptian laws more inclusive of persons with disabilities.

Cairo East Magazine had the honor of speaking with Dr. Hagrass about her lifetime mission, as a woman with disabilities herself, to bring change to the way in which persons with disabilities are viewed, afforded opportunities, and treated in Egypt.

CEM: You have made substantial achievements in the recognition of the rights of the disabled over the course of your studies and career. Can you tell us about the high points of this journey?

HH: I participated in the drafting of the UN convention for the rights of people with disabilities. My PHD was in the field of marketing people with disabilities in the Egyptian labor market. This is really important because it’s the number one problem for people with disabilities that suffer to complete their education and then at the end of the path, cannot find employment.

Being part of drafting the Egyptian Law for People with Disabilities to hopefully, which will be made public soon, through my new role as a member of parliament is a major milestone, as well as taking part in drafting the National Strategy of People with Disabilities for the Kingdom of Bahrain.

What does your work involve, and how do you balance a busy schedule, including attending conferences, with raising a family?

I didn’t have time to attend many conferences during my time as Head of the National Council on Disability Affairs since I was busier “Arranging the home from the inside”. I don’t watch TV at all; that saves me a lot of time which I’d much rather be spending with my family and friends.

It takes a lot of hard work and determination to achieve what you have done, what would be your advice to young people who want to contribute effectively to society?

People have to understand that they need to work very hard; it’s inevitable. You cannot build yourself or even raise a child based on the cultural concept that work is exhausting and consuming. A lot of people were asking me how I could balance between studying, working and raising my kids; I was always juggling my different roles at the same time because I believe that the only path for a person is to work and make an effort and build yourself and be an outstanding person. You don’t have to be an outstanding person but you have a proper place in society; you have to work to reach your goals.

What have you seen as being the greatest challenges you have faced?

I think getting married in a society where people do not believe that people with disabilities should get married, have kids and live a normal life. “Does her husband love her; can she make it as a mom?” I think these were the main challenges; people were constantly judging and evaluating me. Thank God, I think I did well.

You have personally had to cope with the physical limitations of needing to use a wheelchair, has this given you an added level of empathy?

Of course, as the saying goes, “You have to be in it to feel it.” Being disabled since the age of 14 has made me constantly challenge the parameters of my own existence. People can never fully understand, envision or imagine our lives; they have never walked a mile in our shoes. Only a person with a disability can truly feel for or understand the struggles and challenges facing his counterparts, particularly in a country like Egypt.

What are the main challenges remaining, in your view, when it comes to people with disabilities being empowered to become a strong, contributing element in their communities?

Looking up to superheroes like Ammar El Sherei and Taha Hussein sets the bar too high for most disabled people. Not all persons with a disability are gifted with special talents; most are just ordinary people. It’s very stereotypical to expect all disabled people to be some kind of superheroes. This creates a lot of stress, and later disappointment, for the families and the children who are growing up with disabilities and are expected to perform with super talents. >>

Do the hurdles exist more in the public perception of disability or in the approach of the authorities in working to provide better laws and conditions?

The population of disabled people in Egypt is sadly overlooked by the government and state policies. They find difficulties in meeting their basic needs in terms of health care, education, and of course, employment. People with disabilities are ‘full’ citizens who should be able to exercise their full citizenship rights and not be treated like charity cases.

What can be done to promote the importance of providing better work and lifestyle opportunities to people coping with various levels of disability, and improve public awareness?

The most important thing is to recognize the existence of disabled people and declare their full rights to live and dream of a better life in which they are welcomed and their abilities are utilized. People with disabilities need to know how to advocate for their rights instead of waiting for charity-based organizations to help them.

How important is it for both government bodies and private sector to integrate easier access facilities into buildings?

People with disabilities should not be relegated to the sidelines of life. This would be a form of discrimination against them based on their disability. They need to be integrated into mainstream society. They need to be able to go to the same cinemas, schools, malls, etc.,  like the rest of their fellow citizens. Again, it is their right, and should not be viewed as a favor or a noble charitable act.

What is the most important quality a person needs to succeed?

Determination. You have to have determination and willpower to reach your goal because you probably don’t reach it from the first attempt. If you were able to achieve your dreams from the first trial, you are probably an ordinary person with very ordinary dreams. Your ability to endure and deal with failure makes you stand out and become an inspiration to others.

How important is it for you to be able to teach the coming generation and pass on your knowledge and experience?

This is crucial. If anybody really wants to live forever, they should pass on their expertise to other generations. There’s also a religious element about this. Islam has honored scientists and experts and distinguished them in a very high position. Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) taught us that passing on our knowledge is ‘sadaqa gariyya’ and could be our road to Jennah. It’s not all about material gain or wealth accumulation.

What would you do differently, given a choice?

Nothing. I’m already a passionate fashion designer and I would gladly go back to fashion designing.

Do you have any bad habits that you would like to break?

No, I’m a flexible person who was brought up in a normal way so I have nothing that is really outstanding that I suffer from.

What was the last book you read?

A law book to help me get acquainted with my role in parliament. After all, I don’t come from a law background.

Looking back over your path to where you are now, what were the pivotal moments?

I think my upbringing, how my mother brought me up not to feel pathetic, not to feel that people have to sympathize with me and to face my own problems.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life?

My mother.

Have you ever made major decisions that you later regretted?

I never reached the point of regret in anything because I’m someone who thinks well before acting. Sometimes, you get upset or angry and you feel sorry because I don’t like to lose people but at times you have to lose them.

When you need to get away from it all what do you do to relax?

love travelling and really feel that I deserve it when I work hard. I like to pamper myself and travel to new destinations and explore new places.

Getting the Facts from Dr. Amin Sharobim

By Hilary Diack

According to leading dermatologist and venereologist Dr. Amin Sharobim, each day brings new STD and STI cases to his busy clinic. Cairo West Magazine explores this sensitive topic with him.

CWM: Dr. Amin, what is an STD?

AS: An STD is a disease or an infection (STI) that is contracted through unprotected sexual contact of any type.

Which are the most common STDs encountered these days?

The most prevalent these days are HPV (Human Papillomavirus), HSV  (Herpes), chlamydia, trichomoniasis and increasingly, cases of gonorrhoea and even syphilis, which had previously been considered on the decline.

HPV, or genital warts, is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections (STI). HPV can be passed even when an infected person has no signs or symptoms.

The herpes simplex virus, also known as HSV, is an infection that causes herpes. Herpes can appear in various parts of the body, most commonly on the genitals or mouth.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection caused by the bacterium chlamydia trachomatis and can be cured with antibiotics.

Trichomoniasis is a common STI that is caused by infection with a protozoan parasite called trichomonas vaginalis. Most patients are treated with an antibiotic called metronidazole, which is very effective.

Gonorrhoea is caused by bacterium with symptoms that usually appear 2 to 5 days after contact with an infected partner however; some men might not notice symptoms for up to a month. There are some antibiotic resistant strains for gonorrhoea but most cases can be cured with antibiotics.

Syphilis is an STD caused by a bacterium. Untreated, it can lead to complications and death.

What are the first symptoms to appear and are STDs and STIs easy to identify?

If genital warts show up, it’s an indication of HPV infection.

With HSV some of the symptoms associated with this virus include blistering sores in the mouth or on the genitals, pain during urination (genital herpes) and itching.

Gonorrhoea symptoms in men include burning and pain while urinating, increased urinary frequency, discharge from the penis (white, green, or yellow in color), red or swollen urethra, swollen or tender testicles, or sore throat. Symptoms in women may include vaginal discharge, burning or itching while urinating, painful sexual intercourse and severe pain in the lower abdomen.

When should a person go for a check-up?

Early identification and treatment results in less chance to spread disease, and for some conditions may improve the outcome of treatment. It is important to note any discharge, reddening or discomfort of the genitals.

What treatments are available for STIs and STDs?

STIs caused by bacteria are generally easier to treat. Viral infections can be managed but not always cured. Antibiotics, often in a single dose, can cure many sexually transmitted bacterial and parasitic infections, including gonorrhoea, syphilis, chlamydia and trichomoniasis.

How can people avoid contracting an STD or STI?

The first and most important way to avoid STDs and STIs is to stay in a mutually monogamous relationship. Healthcare professionals suggest safer sex such as the use of condoms as the most reliable way of decreasing the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

To lower the chances of getting HPV, a person at risk should get vaccinated. Gardasil, a recombinant human papillomavirus vaccine, is now available in Egypt and should be used by anyone who is considered at risk.

Psychologist Rasha El Boghdady Weighs In

Parenting is the process of promoting and supporting the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual development of a child from infancy to adulthood. Healthy parenting should meet the child’s needs at each stage of his/her development. Failure to meet those changing needs could have damaging effects on the child’s psychological wellbeing.

CEM: What are the dangers of being an over-controlling parent?

RB: Parents who exert too much control over their children could be causing them lifelong psychological damage. Examples of psychologically controlling behaviors are invasions of children’s privacy, unwillingness to let children make their own decisions, and fostering dependence upon one or both parents. Psychological control can limit children’s independence and leave them less able to regulate their own behaviour.

Parents should provide their children with a stable base of warmth and responsiveness while giving them the space to explore the world in a way that would promote their social and emotional development.

What are the most common ways a parent can damage a child?

If parents do not understand and meet each of their children’s essential psychological needs at each developmental stage, it is likely that their children would face some psychological problems:

During Infancy (from birth until around 2 years), children need to build trust. Trust is developed when caregivers provide reliability, care and affection. Being “consistent” is the keyword at this stage. At this stage, the infant must know that when he needs care, he will get it. Lack of consistency of care may lead to mistrust and the development of fear. The child might carry the basic sense of mistrust to other relationships.

During early childhood (from 2 to 3 years), children need to acquire autonomy. Autonomy is developed through a sense of control over physical skills and a sense of independence. The parents need to encourage the child to become independent while protecting and supporting him so that constant failure is avoided. This way, the child will become more confident of his ability to survive in the world. However, if the child is overly controlled or criticized or not given the opportunity to assert himself, he may begin to feel inadequate and could become overly dependent upon others, lack self-esteem and feel a sense of doubt in his own abilities.

During preschool period (from 3 to 5 years), children need to develop self-initiation. Self-initiation is enhanced through exploration of the environment.

Playing is the centre of this stage as it provides the child with the opportunity to explore his interpersonal skills through several activities. Developing the sense of initiation makes the child feel secure in his ability to lead others and make decisions. However, if the child’s initiation is controlled or criticised, he might develop a sense of suppression. He may feel like a nuisance to others and will therefore remain a follower.

During School age (from 6 to 11 years), children need to develop the sense of competence. Competence is developed through social interaction with friends and academic activities. If he is encouraged and reinforced to accomplish different tasks, he begins to feel competent, industrious and confident in his ability to achieve goals. If his initiatives are not encouraged, the child might begin to feel inferior, doubting his own abilities, which would negatively interfere in reaching his potentials.

During adolescence, teens need to develop a sense of identity. At this stage, your children explore different behaviors, roles and identities. Providing the opportunity to explore different lifestyles (work, education or political activities) while being supportive, understanding and caring will result in establishing their sense of identity within the society. Failure to explore the person’s own possible future plans will result in role confusion, which involves not being sure about himself or his place in society. Also, parents pressuring their child into a certain identity can result in his rebellion in the form of establishing a negative identity, in addition to the feeling of unhappiness. >>

Do inexperienced parents sometimes have expectations of their child beyond his natural stage of development?

It is common that some parents, or more commonly one of the parents, have expectations of their child beyond his natural stage of development, beyond his own nature or beyond nature in general. This is not always because they are inexperienced. It is usually either because this parent is over-demanding in nature, or because of some inadequacies during his/her childhood that makes him/her hope to witness his child fulfilling some of his own earlier unachieved goals, or because of some social pressures and psychological competition between families with children at same age group. This type of parenting is called authoritarian, in which parents place high demands on the child but they are almost not aware of his real needs.

What are other common unhealthy parenting styles?

Other common unhealthy parenting styles are permissive parenting style, in which child’s freedom and autonomy are highly valued and parents are overly responsive to their children to the extent that they lack rules and discipline, and an uninvolved parenting style, where parents are emotionally – and sometimes even physically – absent.

Studies have shown that an authoritative (do not confuse it with authoritarian) parenting style, which combines a medium level of demands on the child and a medium level of responsiveness from the parents, works best in helping children to establish self-confidence, independence, as well as consideration of others. Authoritative parents are not overly strict or authoritarian, nor are they permissive or uninvolved. Rather, authoritative parents value the child’s opinion but still set boundaries. They will listen to their child’s opinion but won’t necessarily agree with it or respond accordingly. Authoritative parents manage the home as a sort of benevolent dictatorship. As the kids age, the parents may shift their style to something more democratic, but when push comes to shove, the parents always remain the boss.

What are your thoughts on these common parental habits: verbal attacks, being judgemental, shaming, blaming, creating guilt, comparing, criticizing, teasing, name-calling, insulting, rejecting, evaluating children’s behavior?  

These are kinds of parental behaviors that are extremely harmful to children’s psychological wellbeing. They affect their self-esteem and self-confidence, which results in unhealthy sorts of attachment to parents, which might eventually lead to many psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, bipolar, borderline personality and eating disorders.

How damaging is a ‘praise and reward’ based method of control for a child?

Praising and rewarding children for their good behaviors and achievements in general are positive. However, if they are only used with the intention to control these children while lacking the continuous emotional support and warmth, it will affect the unconditional positive regards and love they should feel from their parents. This would also have a damaging effect of their self-esteem and their kind of attachment to their parents, which is very important for their psychological wellbeing and the formation of secure attachments in their adult life.

What are the key indicators that a child is suffering from psychological damage through parenting habits? And how can we know if a change in behavior is a normal stage of growing up or a sign of something more worrying?

Disturbed pattern of attachment to parents is an indicator of psychological problems as previously mentioned. This can be shown through over-dependence on parental agreement or, on the contrary, over-refusal of parental advice.

Negative social behaviors, like aggressiveness or withdrawal, and deteriorating academic performance can be signs too, especially if preceded by familial problems.

If the child’s needs are stuck in a certain stage of development and do not pass to the next developmental stage, this might be a worrying sign too.

Rasha El Boghdady, has been working in the field of psychotherapy since 2011. She holds a degree of Masters of Art in Counseling Psychology, International Counseling and Community Psychology (ICCP) program at the American University in Cairo (AUC).  Rasha also holds a Life Coaching certification from the Canadian Life Coaching Organization as well as certifications in two levels of Art Therapy from Serenity Center in Egypt.