Revolution, Revolution for Who?

In a time when “revolution” seems to be the headline in every news story, it’s impossible not to think that anything is achievable. So thought the women of Egypt after successfully overthrowing their dictator earlier this year. With a sense of invincibility in mind, Egyptian women understood the importance of defining their place in the re-construction of the new government and took matters into their own hands. If there was going to be change and progression for the country, then this meant that there would be change for everyone, including women. On International Women’s Day, March 8, 2011, Egyptian women gathered at Tahrir Square for the “Million Women March”.

Women arrived at Tahrir Square believing that their demonstrations would have the same influence that the earlier protests for democracy had had, but their confidence was quickly shaken away when the demonstrators were sent home by violent anti-feminist.

“They said that our role was to stay home and raise presidents, not to run for president,” said Farida Helmy, a 24-year old journalist, according to a, March 8, 2011, article in the Globe and Mail.

It’s unbearable to think that although women suffered and fought through the cold nights, tear gas, and abuse from the government, just as the men did, they don’t seem to have a voice when it comes to their own rights.

Of course when Egypt’s men and women were fighting hand-in-hand to overthrow their dictator, women were viewed as helpful, powerful, and equal, but now that Egypt has successfully gained control of their government are these ideals still the same, or is each gender fighting on their own?

“I thought we were going to be celebrated as women of the revolution because we were present during the days of Tahrir,” said, Passant Rabie, a 23-year old Egyptian women, in the Globe and Mail article. “Unless women are included now, we are going to be oppressed.”

Is this country really in a state of progression, or is it simply progression for men? How democratic is it that women are fighting to have equal rights and end sexual harassment and men are just turning them away? The answers to these questions have yet to be set in stone, but we, as a society, must acknowledge and help these women fight for what’s right.