Situation in Egypt: Three women tell
Hanan (35), lecturer in media sciences
"I wish for a democratic, just country where the future of my daughter is safe."
"I was against killing hundreds of people in the eviction of the military sit-in camps, but we still have to think about what democracy really means, is it really limited to the ballot box, and how do you understand the illiterate tendencies of the Mursi Government?
I think democracy is more than just counting votes. Mursi has tolerated lynchings and attacks on minorities and released terrorists who have been sentenced to prison terms for attacks on security agencies. But we want a constitutional state and not lynching.
The power struggle between the secular and the Islamists can only be solved through dialogue. But if the injustice against the Muslim Brotherhood grows, they will not allow a peaceful rapprochement.
The slogans of the revolution were originally: bread, freedom and social justice. Nothing has been realized so far. On the contrary, the economic situation has worsened, especially for the lower classes. So far, the change is limited to the elites.
The easing of the curfew from 19 to 23 hours makes our everyday life easier. The images of the evening Cairo have really baffled me: how can you paralyze this huge city so? So quiet and all too - Cairo sometimes reminded me of German cities after 8pm. Some joke that women enjoy the curfew because their husbands and sons are staying home in the evening. In fact, most stick to it, a sign of a minimum of cooperation with the military. At some checkpoints, the soldiers are also showing their politeness to the citizens. My husband sometimes went to the café around the corner during the check-out and did not experience any problems. "
I wish for a democratic, just country where my daughter's future is safe. Egypt is pluralistic. Unfortunately, many Egyptians can not accept that.
Abier (36), Egyptologist
Abier took to the streets in 2011 against Husni Mubarak
"We have asked the military to protect us from the armed group of the Muslim Brotherhood, so I think it is right that the army cleared the Muslim Brothers' protest camps.
The Brotherhood is an organization with unknown funding. Their followers are threatening Christians, calling for assassination and terrorist attacks in Sinai. They proudly wear the Al Qaeda flag. Her motto "Either Mursi or Death" says it all. The Muslim Brothers use religion for their own purposes and seduce poor, uneducated people. But the relationship between Muslims and Christians has become closer. We want to free ourselves from religious fascism.
"We Egyptians have become stronger and more self-confident."
I have no work and no income since March 2013. Fortunately, I have a family and a husband who support me financially. Some colleagues try to make money selling cars or other things. It is a difficult time, but under Mursi everything would have gotten worse.
I have the great hope that Egypt will someday be better. We Egyptians have become stronger and more self-confident, we believe in our abilities. And as a historian, I've learned that it's worth struggling. "
Ranja (41), teacher
"Despite violence and insecurity, I see a glimmer of hope for Egypt."
"After a year under Mursi, many Egyptians were certain that if he continues in the three years of government in power, he will destroy the country." Food prices tripled under his presidency. "As a woman, one felt unwell in public among the Muslim Brotherhood, who were suddenly everywhere and constantly looked at, whether one is also dressed correctly And most of the tourists - for many Egyptians a livelihood? - stayed away: Who wants to travel to a country where Islamists are in charge?
It was therefore clear to us that this is not the way to go. The people, the military and the police have therefore joined forces to protect our country and combat terrorism in the form of the Muslim Brotherhood. Because the Muslim Brothers refused to accept this, they rioted: they besieged places in Cairo, closed bridges, burned down churches and buildings, and indiscriminately shot at civilians. The brutality with which they went was frightening.
I live with my family on the outskirts of Cairo. We do not get much of the riots, but are stuck at home. It's pretty boring and frustrating because we do not know what's going on.I do not like going to town with my children because I do not want to risk their lives. Sometimes we go to a swimming pool around the corner, otherwise we play board games or watch movies. When school starts again is uncertain. My children attend the German secondary school. Most of the teachers are still in Germany, the German government has imposed an exit ban for them.
Despite all the violence and insecurity, however, I see a glimmer of hope for Egypt. The police are back on the streets. The transitional government cares about women's rights and educational opportunities for girls. I really hope that we can live normally again soon. "
