Defining Revolutionary Movements

In her revolution talk, Mona Eltahawy discusses the political, social and sexual movements taking place in the Middle East and North Africa. She shares her personal experiences as an Egyptian American Muslim woman.

The writer and activist describes revolution as something that moves, provokes, hurts, travels with its people and is not a season. She sees its end goal as freedom and dignified lives, which extend to society and its governments, streets and homes. This involves challenging existing ways of thinking.

The revolution talk is strongly opposed to the religious right in both countries (Egypt and the United States). The feminist speaker is a support of non-violent civil disobedience and goes on to express revolution is a "big no to authority." This is also true of the epidemic-level sexual assault occurring against female activists and journalists. Victims speaking out, body guards and positive sex language are all being used to combat this.