This morning I walked through central Cairo when two guys on a motorbike drove up to me from behind, one guy trying to grab my bag, the other one slapping my ass. I screamed at the top of my lungs and tried to kick the bike. The streets were empty so they were able to speed off.
The harassment itself wasn't the worst part. Statistically, I was almost bound to experience harassment by guys on a motorbike sooner or later. It happens all the time.
The saddest part, though, was that nobody intervened. Or came to ask if I'm alright. Or even batted an eyelid. Hence I conclude that seeing a woman getting harassed and her getting very upset is a very banal and/or uninteresting event.
I then went to the few men who were scattered along the street who had surely witnessed the incident, as they were close by: the fruit seller, the newspaper guy, the car washer - and confronted them, telling them I was harmed and they were just standing and sitting there not doing anything. Each of them apologised profusely and I went home with a free newspaper, a handful of nuts and a piece of candy - feeling abused, angry and disappointed.
It's so difficult being a woman in Cairo. Every day is a challenge and there's so many disappointments awaiting you. In moments like these I struggle to feel the affection that binds me to this country. Each time I have to make an effort to rediscover what I love about Egypt.
Fortunately, when I set out to do this, I never come back empty-handed. The number of men taking advantage of the turmoil and impunity is growing, yes.
But Egypt remains - and always will be, I believe - a country full of the most wonderful people.

ادعم/ي الشخص اللي بلغ

أضف/ي تعليق شاهد/ي المزيد من البلاغات