I was part from a fellowship program at The American University in Cairo, a program that accepts a fresh graduates from Egyptian Universities and engage them with community development sector.
A Fellow in the same program harassed me by sending inappropriate text messages to my phone, I thought first that it was some kind of a joke so I asked him to stop using such inappropriate language with me. After that incident He did sent me other texts that I saw as harassment so I reported the case to my monitor. I asked her for help and orientation on what I should do if I faced such incidents in the future. As The fellowship time was almost over I made it clear that I didn't want to file a case against the guy.
Instead of giving me orientation, my monitor and the program manager had a closed meeting with me. They claimed that the way the guy acted was because of me, and because I do not put limits to people. the program manager added that maybe because I came from a conservative background I see normal things as harassment. They concluded their thoughts, and I quote, "Maybe this is his way to tell you that he likes you!" and "maybe he is not harassing you, maybe he is seducing you!"
I seriously never felt bad about being a girl in my life more than that moment. They did not only justify but made it a normal case for a co-worker to "seduce" another co-worker.
I completed my fellowship and reported this incident at my final report about the fellowship but nothing was done. If you are asking why? let me tell you the answer; BECAUSE A WORK PARTNER CAN EXPRESS THAT HE LIKES YOU!

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