Sexism and patriarchy are so prevalent in Egypt where women’s rights are nearly completely ignored. And most of the times, women don’t really acknowledge that sexism, or they do and think it’s okay. But it’s definitely not. Here’s how women in Egypt can stand up for themselves:

1- Educate yourself and your male friends about feminism

Huda Shaarawi
“Men have singled out women of outstanding merit and put them on a pedestal to avoid recognizing the capabilities of all women” – Huda Shaarawi

According to The Huffington Post: “Feminism is not the belief that one gender should be raised in power above another. The very definition of feminism shows a complete opposition to this belief. So when people comment against feminism, they are supporting sexism”. Feminism does not mean that women are superior to men; it means women are equal in rights to men. As women, we need to always understand and support that, otherwise we’d be sexist and supporting men’s superiority. Make sure to teach your male friends about it too. For some reason, many of them don’t really comprehend that.

2- Speak up if you’re sexually harassed
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We’ve probably all been sexually harassed at some point. Either physically, verbally or even with looks. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely not to get sexually harassed on the streets of Cairo (It can happen, but it’s rare). What we need to do as women, is actually say and/or do something when we’re subjected to that. Otherwise, these “predators” will think that they can get away with it because we’re helpless. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.

3- Don’t let a man dictate how you dress 

who are the feminists

You can decide what to wear on your own. You’re no one’s possession. That doesn’t mean our male friends can’t advise us, but they can’t order us around.

4- Don’t let a man disrespect you because he thinks it’s ok 

The oppression of women in the Arab world.

If a man ever lays a hand on you, just leave. Don’t accept it. He needs to treat you with respect, and as his equal. You’re equally smart and your opinion is just as valuable as his.

5- Know that you can be sexist sometimes too, and that’s not okay el bent zay el walad

As a woman who believes in feminism, don’t reinforce stereotypes when saying things like: “estargel” or “el walad maynfa3sh ye3ayat”. A man shouldn’t be “stronger” than a woman. This only reinforces the fact that women are vulnerable. If you want them to treat you right, you need to know that there are two sides to the same coin.  

6- Own your bodybeyonce sexuality gif

We live in a society that would not judge a man who’s slept with tens of women, but would judge a woman who’s slept with one man. Why do men have the right to have premarital sex, when women would be shamed if they do. We’re one and the same. You have the right to wait until marriage for your own personal reasons, the same way you should have the right to do whatever you want with your body now. If you’re going to judge women, you should judge men too. Don’t have double standards.

7- No man can tell you that you can’t do something because you’re a woman

lotfia alnadi
Lotfia El Nadi – Egypt’s first female pilot

I mean we shouldn’t have to prove a point, but unfortunately, we live in a sexist society. So, if a man tells you, you can’t get a job because you’re a woman, should stay home to cook and wash dishes, or that the job is going to be too tough for you to handle, you should definitely go for it. Don’t let anyone put you down because of your gender. You have the right to want to be a housewife, but you also have the right to want to work.

 You can do anything you put your mind to.