Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Dear Ms. Wali,

As a female, I was deeply moved by your story. And I’m sure every woman who reads it, even if she’s never been to Egypt, understands that dreadful feeling you describe when being followed: that awful mixture of fear, rage and disgust.

Like everyone, I followed the Spring revolution on the news and I distinctly remember being glad to learn, among other things, that the women who fought on the streets alongside their fellow men were not being harassed, as they normally would have been. I too was (naively) hoping that maybe the revolution had been the needed kick-off to a new type of relation between men and women. I’m sorry to learn that it was not the case. I suppose the predatory male mentality in some areas of the globe is too ingrained in the social fabric to change overnight.

I offer you my sympathy and wish you and your fellow countrywomen the courage and determination to fight for your rights. No doubt it’s a tough climb up that hill, but it can be done. Don’t despair. We’re all with you on this.