Radio Netherlands Worldwide

I am an Egyptian woman, who moved back to Cairo a few years ago. Naturally, I am well aware of the horrific sexual harassment that occurs in Egypt. Your stories before and after the Revolution are frightening and also very relatable.

What I take offense with is the following line: "During the uprising, [sexual harassment] was just non-existent." I am sure you heard of the sexual assault incident with Lara Logan on the night Mubarak resigned and I know several people who were exposed to and witnessed sexual harassment incidents in Tahrir Square. For some reason, we continue to try to convince ourselves that Tahrir did not have sexual harassment or drug use or anything that might potentially 'mare' the Revolution. We need to be honest with ourselves...the pity is that as Egyptians, we continue to deny that this horrific practice exists and needs to be dealt with in the correct way with commitment from the highest levels. The incident with Ms. Logan failed to make it to the Egyptian or Arab headlines and I spoke to several people, including extended family members, who did not go down to Tahrir as well as co-workers who had stayed in Tahrir for the 18 days, and many did not hear about it.

Thank you for your article and Thank God for your safety and the men at Abu Mazzen.