Human Rights Watch reports 91 cases of sexual harassment in Tahrir Square since the outbreak of 30 June protests that lead to the overthrow of former Egyptian president Morsi.
Why is that? Is it only Machismo or what? Women are victims of daily harassment in the streets, so why is that so extraordinary?
Two and a half years ago, when Mabarak, the former dictator was ousted, there were a feeling of unity and equality. Christians & muslims, men & women, poor & rich were all together seeking the same goals, expressed in the Egyptian Revolution slogan: Freedom, Bread and Social Justice.
However, as Operation Anti-Sexual Harassment Coordinator Aalam Wassef explains: "Harassers are targeting women with the intent of making the square feel threatening and unsafe". Reem Labib, another volunteer from the same organization adds: "Egyptian women are subjected to harassment on a daily basis, yet organized harassers in the square utilize violence to target not only women, but also the revolution. They use both physical and psychological violence against protesters in the square”.
There are so much to say about all this issue, but I must start saying that as a Brazilian, the situation isn't much different in my home country. The shades might others, but it's very alive in my mind the feeling and the knowledge that being a woman in Brazil is not only very hard, but sometimes it was like a curse.
I do celebrate being a woman and, therefore, here music for the party: Orianthi, an acomplished guitar player, vocalist and composer.
Source for the quotations and info mentioned: Hands Off; At Least 91 Cases of Sexual Harassment in Tahrir; UN Women Class for Firmer Stance on Sexual Harassment.
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