Making a Difference One Issue at a Time

Lately, one MEPI-supported Egyptian NGO has been building an impressive track record tackling tough topics.

Following the referendum violence by government supporters against peaceful protestors angered over flaws in Egypt’s 2005 Parliamentary elections, this group stood up and made a difference.  It coordinated peaceful “sit ins” ahead of a demonstration by the Egyptian Judges’ Club and then used satellite uplinks to transmit the judiciary’s stand across the country and onto giant screens in front of the Supreme Court in Cairo.

Now the Afro-Egyptian Human Rights Association (AEHRO) is turning its sites on another endemic problem – and those committing this crime should take note.

“We are acting as a catalyst and a resource to create awareness on the importance of engaging citizens in the fight against corruption,” said Engi Haddad, a marketing executive, who, along with Ghada Shahbender, a university instructor and self-described “housewife,” have created one of the most innovative civil society advocacy groups in the country, if not the entire region.

AEHRO’s latest endeavor is truly inspired.  Noting the growing level of corruption evident throughout several Egyptian sectors, and wondering how they could do something to cast light on this problem, Haddad and Shahbender conceived of an inventive plan.  They bought shares of stock in ten prominent Egyptian companies, enabling them as shareholders to attend general assembly meetings and gain access to all the balance statements and other key documents of these companies.

In doing so, AEHRO quickly uncovered a number of violations, which has led so far to six citations and maximum fines against six of the companies since the project began in March.  In short order, their reforming actions have struck a loud chord.

“We were thrown out of three general assemblies, were partly responsible for a demonstration conducted by the workers of a national cement company, and we managed to create interest and response from both the Capital Markets Authority and the financial media,” Haddad said.

During an Al Qahera El Yom (Orbit) interview, the president of the Capital Markets Authority, Dr. Hany Sarey El Din, speaking on corporate governance and disclosure, said: “I’m happy and encouraged to see the rise of a responsible pro-active group.”

AEHRO’s activities aren’t over yet.  The organization plans next to investigate other major sectors of the economy, including the mobile telecommunications and banking industries.  The NGO will then hold press conferences to further raise public awareness and media attention on corruption and the ill effects of monopolies. 

All of this from two woman who decided to stand up and make a difference.