It’s been two years since I’ve settled down in Egypt.
I lived in an Arab country since I was little,
And only visited Egypt during holidays.
But I’m actually from Upper Egypt.

When we visited Egypt,
I literally wasn’t aware of any of the things,
I might face when I settle down in the country.

I was 14, and I was walking down the street.
It was a Thursday night and the streets were busy,
And no one was paying attention to anyone.
I was crossing the street,
And someone who was passing besides me on a motorcycle,
Touched my ass.
It took me a minute to realize what happened.
When I looked at him he was looking at me and laughing.
What’s funny is that I was wearing wide-legged pants.

After I enrolled in university and settled down,
I experienced things I’d never experienced before.
The looks and the winks I get are not because I’m super beautiful.
Ninety-nine percent of all men try to make a woman feel like she’s the first female they’ve ever seen in their lives.

Unfortunately, I changed a lot and everyone started to notice.
I started talking back aggressively to anyone who crossed a line.
When someone stares at me, I return the gaze.
Sadly, no one supports me and everyone is against me.
Everyone keeps repeating the same sentence:
“It’s not just you!”

Am I supposed to just shut up and remain silent.
Because it’s just “not me”?