--Christina Fabito
Monday, April 4, 2011
To our dear Egyptian friends,
Congratulations on your success in creating yet another home for democracy in North Africa . Twenty-five years ago, our own countrymen successfully yanked off power from our own dictator, Ferdinand Marcos, through a peaceful process not unlike yours. We are very emotional seeing footages of you and your countrymen in the Tahrir Square Egypt
But this message comes with a warning. A warning to look after your democracy. To ensure that never again will you let anyone trample upon the very foundations of a democracy that you yourselves have established in that sixteen days from January to February of 2011. That you will vouch for yourselves, your family and your descendants to safeguard the fundamental human rights that all people hold dear and all people of all ages, gender, social classes and educational attainment deserve equally.
You have seen what happened in Manila South Africa Tiananmen Square, Poland Ukraine Tahrir Square Tahrir Square Middle East and North Africa . The shining beacon of what is equal, what is just, and what is peaceful.
From your ever caring,
Filipino friends
--Aaron Veloso
Dear Women of Egypt,
We have read an article about Marwa Saraf El-din an Egyptian Ph D Law student at the Oxford University who performed Zajal which is a popular form of Arabic poetry. We were very much touched with what her poem forwards—Egyptian women’s clamor for gender equality since your lawmakers seem to have not recognized what you as a female group has done to contribute to establishing a new government.
We admire the sincerity and the aggressiveness of women like Marwa. We also admire the strength of Egyptian women, their strong desire to be heard and to make representation in the legislative body of your country. This is the spirit of women that the world needs. This is the character of women of this period need to possess. This is the courage every single oppressed Eve should bear in her so that depression and marginalization of her kin would not exist anymore.
To think about doing something to better one’s country is an incredible job but you have amazingly done that. Few of the world’s women would have gone out of their way and make their voices be heard. Seldom can we find female groups of countries where men dominate insisting on getting rid of an administration which does not benefit the people. It is a great honor for you to have done what others fear to do. You might not have achieved most of what you desire but eventually you will for you have begun working on your plight. Carry on women of Egypt! we hope, Filipino women would be able to learn much from you. Keep on and God lead you through.
You have shown what we, GABRIELA Youth, have been fighting for in our own beloved country. The unity of every Filipino women and vie for gender equality and empowerment. The battle is not over yet. The revolution is not yet finished in complete success. Watch out for the authority you have let the military hold. Continue your projects of educating girls, teens and mothers, authoring bills that would empower women and let them be heard in the government and all over the world, continue voicing your passions through new mediums and continue fighting for your rights, as well as your country’s. Countries of global North have personal interests in your wealth, so be wary. Expect the best but prepare for the worst. Fight all you got, never hold back but never rely on violence as much as possible. Also, street protests are expressive but don’t rely on it alone, explore and maximize your resources and grave opportunities. Bring out and use your potentials and talents wisely and freely. Again, do not fear for the world sees you and we support you.
Your friends,
Ana Briones
Erika Mae Gumabol
Erika Marie Tugano
Grace Charm D. Carretero
Princess Charisma Perez
Princess Caresa Perez
Rio Jean Quindara
The GABRIELA Youth
RAGE
Beating, groping, caging I took
Suicide, much like killed for “honour”
Fathers, brothers, even strangers too
I am fed up, Enough is enough!
Can’t fathom why breasts be a burden
Why though I’m tall, they look down on me
Why they grin why I cried exhausted
Yes! They couldn’t bear my silent scream
I am every Egyptian woman
Broken by the binds of poverty
Tortured by the whip of religion
I say again, Enough is enough!
Women of Egypt, we should not fear!
Tis our beloved mother nation
Thus, tis our responsibility
Yes! We fight for our children, for us.
Had enough authoritarian rule
Had enough of male domination
Had enough of poverty, inequity and violence
Cry out with me, Enough is enough!
Though we’re caged, there now ways to break out
Across seas, oceans and mountains
I reach desperate for light and air
I break the chains, step out, scream, shout
With the brotherhood we stood fearless
Side by side, men and women alike
Times change, nothing is constant but change
Oppression by authority’s gone
We’ve shown what we can do and should do
But woe, the war is far from over
Revolution had not yet been through
There’s more to do and much more to change
Patriarchy, still well and kicking…
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