An Egyptian couple walks under a mural depicting female activist Samira Ibrahim, who was forced to undergo a “virginity test” while in detention by the military, in Cairo, Egypt. After Egypt’s ruling military sealed off streets around Cairo’s Tahrir Square with walls of imposing concrete blocks, a group of artists decided to reopen the avenues on their own, in the public imagination, at least.
(via azaadi)
The 100 Most Influential People in the World
Too often women suffer in silence; their struggles stay hidden behind forced smiles and stoic faces. This is not something Samira Ibrahim is willing to allow. After Egyptian soldiers detained her and subjected her and other female protesters to forced “virginity tests,” the 25-year-old marketing manager refused to stay silent. She sued the military, and in December a civilian judge ruled the humiliating practice illegal. Her fight is not over, though: In March, a military tribunal acquitted the doctor who allegedly performed the “virginity tests.” Samira has sworn to pursue the case using international law. (via 2012 TIME 100: The Most Influential People in the World)
