Yassmine Hussein (NYU Gallatin) |Cairo 52| Cairo, Egypt
As my journey of learning and experiences comes to an end with Cairo52 for the summer, I recognize the depth of learning and understanding I have accomplished as a result of my time. Interning with an organization that is local to the topic of interest I had was invaluable, not only did I have a chance to work alongside individuals who have dedicated years of their lives to creating a more equitable legal and social environment for sex workers, but also individuals who understand the relevance of this work as they are inhabitants of the communities they are working to better.
Cairo52 decided to challenge my thoughts on the topic of sex work by introducing the nuanced angle of legal processes and the impact they have on the socialization of sex workers in their communities. Although I had previously explored through means of research the impact laws and policies have on sex workers in Egypt, I was unaware of the how the legal process itself, from when sex workers came in contact with the law, until they were either found guilty or not guilty, impacted the field of sex work. By analyzing cases and their verdicts, the extent of the abuse of certain laws and police authority to imprison sex workers became clear.
My time with Cairo52 has deeply impacted the way I will further delve into sex work in Egypt within my thesis, a learning journey that is invaluable to me as a Masters student but also as an Egyptian-born woman navigating the corridors of academia, lived experiences and local nuances as I continue delivering work which is both true to its subjects but also true to my own vision and passion.