Abstract

Egypt is undergoing many reforms and advocates seek to get policy makers to adopt some policy changes that can resolve many of the social problems faced by the nation. Sexual Harassment (SH) is a serious problem that needs integrated efforts among advocates, media, policy makers and the public to fight it. Media advocacy incorporates them altogether; the media direct the light on the advocates' policy goals and solutions to influence policy makers and generate favorable public debate. The objective of the study is to examine to what extent media advocacy on SH issue in Egypt is strategically employed. It reviews the planning, implementation, media and policy outcomes of the media advocacy campaign on SH issue as well as its influential factors. This study is an attempt to bridge the gap between media and policy studies. For the methodology, the study employed the qualitative method using case study approach on SH. It conducted eighteen in depth interviews using the triangulation approach among three main segments; advocates, media experts and policy makers. Focusing events proved to be an effective media access strategy and the corner stone behind the outcomes of the media advocacy campaign. These outcomes were translated in some policy changes including legislative amendments and security policies. However, advocates did not address all dimensions of the problem definition of SH. Coalition building is necessary for advocates to unite their efforts and strengthen media advocacy. The unprofessional media performance negatively influenced media advocacy. There was no opposition to the SH issue, but rather a strong cultural barrier. Media proved to be influential on policy makers especially when reinforced with the public support. Overall, the communication strategy of the media advocacy campaign on SH had its strengths and weaknesses.

Department

Public Policy & Administration Department

Degree Name

MA in Public Policy

Graduation Date

2-1-2015

Submission Date

January 2015

First Advisor

Amin, Khaled

Committee Member 1

El Baradei, Laila

Committee Member 2

Abd el Aziz, Sami

Extent

112 p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Library of Congress Subject Heading 1

Propaganda -- Egypt.

Library of Congress Subject Heading 2

Sexual harassment -- Egypt.

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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