Sexual Assault in Egypt and Why Victim Blaming Should Stop

Egyptians of different ages, backgrounds, and sexes are all subjected to some sort of sexual harassment throughout their lives. What we know for sure, is that we have had enough of it!

It is not news, it`s not something we are not aware that is happening. Denying it and not addressing it, does not mean that it is not out there, and is happening to many Egyptian girls, women, kids, and even the elderly.

First, we as a society need to accept the fact that WE ARE WRONG. For years and years, we have forced this culture upon ourselves and we oppress those who need help. We always blame the victim, it`s always a short dress, not wearing a headscarf, and different other lame excuses that many had been feeding the brains of our youth and children with.

Victim blaming should stop! Then we can talk about change.

So, when we actually start focusing on the problem, addressing several aspects surrounding the situation, when we ask ourselves the right questions, only from there, we can get the right answers. However, until then, this will keep happening, it will eventually get closer to your own house, your own family, your colleagues, anyone that you know, even yourself could face the same situation, and fear of the society`s reaction towards the issue would keep you, and your loved ones, back from standing up against this disgustingly sick behavior.

We have to change our culture.

It is not okay to hit a woman, even if the one beating her is her brother, husband, or father. It is not okay to touch women because of any sick excuse you have in your mind. I can go on making a list of things that we allow, that should not be tolerated under any excuse. Unfortunately, we have created an environment where violence against women is allowed by society, and that cannot be indorsed.

We need to refuse the toxic behaviors; we need to encourage people to rise above this, not oppressing them, and allowing other beings to go through this devastating experience all by themselves. We as a generation should have a say in this. WE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIS. THIS CANNOT BE TOLERATED ANY MORE. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. We will not encourage this behavior anymore. We will encourage our sisters, brothers, friends, and coworkers to report this behavior, we, as men cannot accept these behaviors anymore.

We should all wake up and recognize our faults; we have been destroying ourselves, we have been destroying our daughters and sons everywhere, and It`s time to stop this. I know we still have miles to go, however, when we become aware of the situation, be open to change, we will eventually stop this. Our community would be much safer to live in, and our problems would be much easier to absorb.