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…