I live in a rather shaabi [a densely-populated area usually located in the poorer parts of a town or city] area.
Hijab is not a choice for us, nor is it a sign of piety.
It’s only a way of averting the attention of bastards away from women in the area.
I wore the niqab for a period of time because of all the times people have touched me.
I wouldn’t stand up for myself because I was afraid.

I used to not only take off the niqab when I’d leave my neighborhood, but the hijab altogether.

I was working in Maadi.
I thought it was a decent area where no one would bother me.
But I wasn’t spared.
The driver that drove us to work used to harass me almost every day.
Until one day I complained to the manager.
He looked at me in disgust, insulted me, and threw me out of the office.
The driver told him that I had stolen something from him.
I had threatened the driver that if he didn’t stop, I’d complain to the manager.
But unfortunately, he got to the manager before me and I got fired.

I feel sorry for myself.
I’m wasting my energy on fear.
I make sure to wear baggy clothes,
And I even tie a compression wrap around my breasts when I’m going out.
But I’m still not spared!
I don’t know what to do, or who to complain to.
I’m afraid of the idea of marriage.
I’m afraid I’ll ruin it with all these problems.
I'm worried that I’ll have to live my life in constant fear.
I’m also afraid that if I have children, they’ll go through the same things I did.