From Egyptian Men to Egyptian Women

With all the articles circulating the internet for the past couple of years and contesting what men hate or like about women, I started asking myself what men really think of women and what they would have to say if they were the ones writing these articles. With that, I took the liberty of asking all the Egyptian men I could possibly reach what they would like to say to Egyptian women if they had the chance. I felt it was high time to stop speaking on men’s behalf and hand them the microphone for once. I must say, the answers I got were very precious and heartwarming. I hope you feel as empowered as I was when you read them. Lovely Egyptian women, enjoy what our fellow Egyptian men had to tell us.

“Thank you for tolerating everything that’s going on around you in this country, from harassment to inequality in almost everything. Don’t stop pursuing your dreams even if everything around you is going against you.”

“You are the real heroines of this country, so stay strong.”

“Defend yourselves.”

“First thing I would like to tell Egyptian women is not to be afraid to speak out. Your voice is needed in a country like ours.”

“On behalf of Egyptian men, I’d like to apologize for how insecure we make you feel.”

“We’re right sometimes, too.”

“Try to adapt new ideas.”

“Gentlemen are not dead.”

 “An empowered woman is the most effective tool for development.”

“Get a life. Pursue your own dreams, ambitions and hobbies. Don’t live your life following someone else. Be your own person. Have your own life.”

“Kefaya tamseel.”

“Not all men are flirty assholes.”

“Whoever said that women are as strong as men is totally wrong. You are way stronger than us! And we’re very sorry!”

“You are a heroine if you follow your passion in a country like Egypt.

You are a heroine if you walk on the street like nobody is watching and feel no pain from their words.

You are a heroine if you feel you have equal rights to men in this country.

You are a heroine if you use public transportation.

You are a heroine if you drive.

You are a heroine if you are a woman who lives in Egypt.”

“I would like to say to every Egyptian woman that you are beautiful the way you are; don’t obsess over make-up and shopping; use them as tools to enhance your natural beauty that God has blessed you with. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL.”

“Don’t always believe your first impressions about men.”

“Don’t fear me.”

“Egyptian women, I just want to thank you for being the most kind, caring

and sacrificing mothers on earth, the most wonderful sisters, amazing friends, supporting, loving and very precious wives and most adorable daughters. Thank you for being agda3 banat we setat fe el3alam.“

“We are sorry for all the bad things you have to live with in the community and streets.”

“When Egyptian men and women start to respect each other, we will be one of the best countries in the world.”

“Kefaya ta32eed”

“At some point, you need to take a stand and say no to what you don’t want.”

“Support us support you.”

 “You’re very reliable in everything you do, whether as housewives or working women.”

And my personal favorite:

“Sorry for every time we made you feel like your body is a piece of meat.”

It was an absolute pleasure working on this piece. I would like to thank all the men who told me what they honestly thought and had to say. Let’s work hand in hand for a better Egypt.