Egyptians Form Human Shields To Protect Female Protesters
Protesters form groups to protect Egyptian women at demonstrations; 91 cases of sexual assault reported at Tahrir Square
As violence against women protesting in Tahrir Square grew, Egyptians were taking measures to provide safety for the female protesters. In one instance, males have formed a human shield around women, so that attackers cannot get close to them.
"Morsi, get out!" hundreds of women chanted in Tahrir Square as they held hands and waved Egyptian flags. Surrounding them was a human shield that, according to the women and the men, was necessary to protect them from sexual harassment and assault. No men were allowed in the circle, and males who tried to get in so will be kicked out immediately, unless they are small boys.
The women — some veiled and some not — and their male protectors are walking toward Tahrir Square. It’s already getting dark, and that means women usually have to be careful. After the sun goes down, the square's demonstrating crowds grow, getting more packed by the minute. As a woman, it is not safe to venture to the square alone, the females in the circle tell Al-Monitor.
"We don’t want to be a target for frustrated men, but still we feel that we have to go to these protests and make sure our voices are being heard. By this, we let the government know that we cannot be ignored," explains a woman in a black veil.
