Egyptian activist Mona Seif: It's a revolution, and it's not over

Matthew Cassel, The Electronic Intifada, 14 February 2011

Mona Seif in Tahrir Square on 12 February (Matthew Cassel) MC: This is the first day in your life that you've woken up in Egypt without Hosni Mubarak as president of the country. How does that feel? MS: Before all of this the first thing a girl would think of what is she going to wear, because, any girl I know at least, there is always this fear of facing the crowds in the streets because of sexual harassment and feeling alienated. And this is the first time that I woke up jumping out of bed rushing to the streets just wanting to see people and how they look after yesterday, and see everyone heading to Tahrir Square. I've been smiling to complete strangers and saying "hi." This is something I never did before because I wouldn't want to risk if they would reply in a friendly way or abusive way. I have been in love with everyone in the streets since yesterday. I've had complete strangers coming up to me and shaking my hand and telling me "this is the smile of Egypt," and smiling with me. This is the first time that I get the meaning of the terms that I would've thought cliche, as in people walking with pride ... today, people are proud to be Egyptians and they are saying it out loud and they are happy to share it with everyone. It's wonderful. Read more