Ladies of the Nile

http://www.cnn.com/2011/WORLD/meast/02/24/egypt.women.optimism.harassment/index.html?hpt=C2

This article about the advancement of women in Egypt is an excellent follow up to what I previously highlighted. It's so exciting to hear that women are feeling less afraid of sexual harassment and getting involved politically. A striking statement from the above article indicated some of the dire realities of the situation: "A survey in 2008 by the Egyptian Center for Human Rights claimed that 98% of foreign women and 83% of Egyptian women in the country have been sexually harassed." We saw a stark example of that with the Lara Logan travesty. It's important to remember though that, even if we don't hear their stories across international news, countless hearts and bodies have still been hurt.

However, I don't want to paint an anti-male picture. Granted, men are almost solely responsible for the perpetuation of the harassment, but the article highlights the deeper cause: "In an oppressive society, people oppress each other. It's justification for everyone to be unjust, " Doaa Abdelaal was quoted as saying. "Under a more open society these things can be discussed." Note the example of the woman who got out of her car and slapped the officer who harassed her. Because now, she finally can. And I would wager that he will learn and move forward with a little thought in the future. Baby steps: all change starts that way.

We live in a fallen world where the ache and cry of havocking sin leaves us longing for wholeness. It's exciting to see that restoration is happening. Dark corners are seeing the Light they've longed for and always knew existed.