(Updated 2012) Feb 2011: Egypt in Flames, but “Girl-Power” is Booming!
9 Dec 2012, As I sit on skype hoping to hear from my fellow female artist from the National Museum of Modern Art in Cairo, Egypt…I think of that momentuous time a year ago when Jasmine Revolution happened and there were hopes for greater Freedom in Egypt! Today, in the last week, every emails back and forth between my friend and I had been bounced and blocked. We sneak late night conversations with one another in order to push ahead our exhibitions during one of the biggest Protest since the Jasmine Revolution over the National Referendum and the wish to implement so-called “God’s law” that will interfere with the cultural sustainability and diversity of Egyptian civilised Society. It made me think, did we come all this way to get rid of Mubarak only to have a Morsi deciding to take Absolute power?
love Cecilia
The presence of Women at the front line of the Protest in Egypt should not be ignored. Instead of waxing lyrical about it, lets just let a few pictures tell a thousand words. All of them seem to say “We want Freedom.”
Egyptian women demonstrated outside the Lawyers’ Syndicate in Cairo on January 27, 2011, demanding the ouster of President Hosni Mubarak, 82-years-old, who has held on to power for more than three decades ever since the assassination of his predecessor Anwar Sadat was gunned down on October 6, 1981.
Protesters in Tahrir square in Cairo have reached half a million strong and their numbers are rising. The government has cut the internet & mobile phones of all citizens. Furthermore Government forces have used live bullets, tear gas and water canons to suppress the peaceful protest of their own citizens. Many women were injured as they Defied curfew and went on to protest for their Freedom.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON! Google launched a service for people in Egypt to send Twitter messages by dialing a phone number, no Internet connection needed. The following numbers are listed for people to use the service: +16504194196 or +390662207294 or +97316199855
It is not acceptable that Human Barriers had to stop Looters and to stop Theft from the many treasures in the Cairo Museum!
In the meantime, world leaders still failed to fully back the “Will of the Women in Egypt” for Freedom and instead asked for “restraints & tolerance towards a gradual reform”!
While ignoring the long-term Reign of Terror imposed on ordinary Egyptians through many oppressive violations; denying freedom of speech & freedom of expression!
How can anyone be surprised by the Riots & protests, if non-violence peaceful means have fallen on deaf ears for over 30 years?
The Women of Egypt have spoken and they are asking for a simple Change to the Constitution & Freedom towards Democratic reform! The right to decide on their own future!
This Includes the Wish for an Absolute END to Muburak’s Dictatorial Reign!
Women in Egypt are on the Frontline asking for the right to vote, for themselves and for others, regardless of their roles as Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives etc. in Society. They are not the “back-bone”, they are the FRONTLINE of this movement.
When Oppression makes life impossible, Women suffer the most because of inherent socio-economic disparity. They sacrifice the most and have the most to lose.
In the Media their images are marginalised or stereotyped and their voices unrepresented in this protest.
This is not the whole picture. There are many facets to the FULL PICTURE!
Regardless of what the Women of Egypt are wearing or not wearing on their heads, they would like the same thing. They are not invisible! They are strong and they are the TRUE future of Egyptian Society!
4 comments on “(Updated 2012) Feb 2011: Egypt in Flames, but “Girl-Power” is Booming!”
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I don’t care for this joke speak about “knife control” for China! Bear grylls messer is the best knife! Stupidity!
Lol. I think some humours don’t translate well. I don’t think they care what type of knife it was…actually I still don’t care! hahaha
Get over it now!
Amazing post. Thx a lot. I will back here soon.
Thank you. I wish I could post in more diversity of languages but I am limited in that I only speak english, chinese & a bit of french. I enjoy seeing post, like yours in Polish and other languages!