If you felt distressed, deeply disturbed and agonized by just some of the stories that were published on the Instagram page (@assaultpolice), which published stories of harassment and rape by Ahmed Bassam Zaki, it is important to know that these emotions were felt by activists for centuries, who spent years calling for change and recognized very early on the corrupt values and inequalities in societies. Cases of women coming out to speak against misogyny are making headlines, but it is only with time until society gets used to seeing more women in media, particularly those who resist and boldly speak out injustices. The following are works by feminist authors who marked their struggle through powerful words and stories, representing centuries of tireless activism. The Mirror of Contemplation by Aisha Taymur Egyptian academic Hoda Elsadda noted that Aisha Taymur “opened the door that allowed more women writers to express themselves” through writing and poetry, and inspired a generation of women writers to contribute to prominent newspapers and journals that Egypt’s social life. While she also campaigned with other feminist intellectuals for women’s education, she also addressed social roles and the stereotypical…
