If you’re a woman who, at some point, experienced living in a Middle Eastern society, you will definitely relate to the content of this article. Religiously oppressive countries, particularly Middle Eastern ones, make it a point to set some unwritten but very sacred rules about the way women are expected to behave. Egypt, specifically, has to be one of the most ambivalent and paradoxical male dominant societies, which are yet able to shove their so-called beliefs down every woman’s throat, regardless of her social class, physical appearance or personal beliefs. Women in Egypt are literally grappling to maintain their identities and safety every minute they spend on the streets of our so called hometown.

  1. “What will people say?”

Apparently, this is the most common comeback to every girl who wishes to challenge the beloved stereotype of the hijab-wearing kitchen-loving virgin. Most Egyptian families share a very special common concern about what the neighbours, or “bawab” might have to say about their daughter. The single most important issue in that girl’s life becomes how the guy who opens the building gates for her will perceive and judge her. Because if her boyfriend ever attempts to take their relationship to the next level and formally proposes, he will inarguably ask the concierge to evaluate his employer’s way of life. Based on his judgement, the relationship might continue or cease to exist.

  1. Public transportation

As a woman in Egypt, it’s extremely agonizing to ride public transportation. It’s like nothing but a bullet proof suit (and maybe not even that) will protect you from the swaying hands, filthy comments, and eye-rape (yes, I said it) that will inevitably come your way on these public buses. They do not care how you’re dressed, what you say or do to prevent them. Replying with a mockery to a harasser gives the impression that you’re enjoying it and playing along, or “want it”. It’s highly probable that most Egyptian males were dropped on their heads as babies.

  1. “Don’t laugh out loud”

Aaaah, the piercing sound of my female induced laughter will slowly dissect the earth. Whether you’re sitting in a family gathering, or in a restaurant with your college friends, this is a comment you will often hear. What about males making goofy noises and telling stories about last night’s outing in a volume that would likely be used by a thrash metal vocalist? Your girly laughter is irrelevant, obnoxious and too extreme for everybody! Cover that shit up!

  1. “And what was she doing on the street anyway?”

I recall one time when I was reporting a case of sexual harassment at the office, the person in charge reacted by asking me: “and what were you doing there anyway?” Now, if you haven’t heard this or a similar comment in your lifespan as a struggling Egyptian female, you eventually will. Believe me it’s a lot more infuriating than it sounds. The Egyptian male dogma seems to believe that any attempt of sexual harassment is usually engendered by what the female said, did or was doing at the time of the incident. This has gone as far as other women starting to think the same thing. My advice to you if you want to avoid harassment: stay home and cover yourself with a blanket.

  1. Curfews

This is the Frankenstein of any female party animal. You have to be in your room by 9pm to avoid having the bawab think negatively of you (refer to point 1). And if, for a very special occassion, you’re allowed to stay out beyond that time, phone calls will shower you past 9pm, like cold water on Taylor Swift’s hair in the ice bucket challenge. It’s okay, however, that your younger brother comes home at 4am; he’s more chill.