Opinions and self-expression are often repressed in Egypt. Whether it be a provocative opinion, an emotion that is uncommon to the majority of Egyptians, or a certain stance of a variety of societal issues, some people just really don't want to hear about it. Others however, are attempting to celebrate a country that is full of diversity when it comes to traditions, culture, opinion, physical appearances, sexuality and religious beliefs.
Case in point, a Facebook page titled quite simply "Egyptians" is, quite literally, setting the thoughts of millions of Egyptians free. Through these pictures, and the captions that come along with them, a feeling of unity takes over. Looking at some of these pictures and into the eyes of many of these people, you truly do feel less alone in the world and though we all have different struggles, thoughts and feelings, the fact remains that we're all people trying to understand and grasp the idea of what life is all about.
Take a look at the following few images, the stories and the meaning behind them. Perhaps you'll share your own stories with us!
"My biggest struggle in life is Egypt. I never feel safe walking down the street just like every other woman in the country because we are always sexually harassed - even by police officers. I love my dog and it is my right to be able to walk him without being scared. The entire country has become unbearable, even the buildings and the streets are filthy" one young woman told Ahmed Hayman, a professional photographer who started this project. "I hope to travel and live abroad in a place where a people are respected regardless of the way they live their lives."
This image highlights the daily struggles of being a woman in Egypt. The simple task of walking your dog becomes yet another opportunity for men in the country to treat you like an object, a mere entity and not a human being.
"My father, who is a very traditional man from Upper Egypt, is my only backbone. Even though he never told me how proud he was of my work in journalism and I only found out by coincidence – maybe he's shy or is afraid that I become way to ambitious – he's proud of me and I am the daughter of the best mayor in Sohag."
Highlighting this father daughter relationship is breaking stereotypes. Not all Egyptian fathers from Upper Egypt want to keep their daughters on a tight leash, some actually want them to succeed in their careers and should it happen that they don't, the father remains to be the continuous web of support and unconditional love.
"In a world full of contradictions, adults make fun of you when you trip and fall while children laugh with you instead of at you because they know better. We all stumble and fall and this is how life is. How we pick ourselves up is what really matters."
Unlike children, some people tend to take pleasure in other people's struggles. It's almost like seeing someone else's shortcomings makes us feel better about our own because as adults, we lose touch with the kindness, love and generosity that we're born with.
"I am not asking for too much. All that I ask is to live like a normal human being with dignity, earn a decent living and raise my children."
A basic human right, to have a decent life with regular access to food, water, and housing, is not available to many Egyptians. This basic human right is unfortunately, a luxury to the 40 percent of Egyptians living below the poverty line.
"If you don't take what's rightfully yours the first time, don't expect to get it the second time around."
In more ways than one, some women in Egypt have learned to stand up for their rights and refuse to settle for anything less.
"Tourism in Egypt may get wounded, but it never really dies."
A simple story of optimism and hopefulness regardless of how tough and how bad things get sometimes.
"There was this one time, I was clearing a table and the man sitting throw a glass of water at my face for no reason. I didn't do anything and I just walked away because I don't have a basic salary and I only live on tips. I learned one thing though, not all your fingers are the same. Meaning, not all people are alike. In fact, there are some people that treat me very well and if I happen to miss a day of work, they always come around asking if I am doing alright."
This sad story of hardship has a silver lining: Some people may be horrible but that reflects on them and not yourself. Other people, who are good on the inside, will always be good to you no matter who you are or what your social status is. Those people give the less fortunate a glimmer of hope that there is still some good in the world.
"Everyday after school, I come to this very spot and jump into the river fully clothed. I keep at it for hours because the water sets me free. I always feel free when I am not around people."
A little bit of freedom goes a long way.