Dynamic Africa

TW: Rape, Sexual Assault, Violence.

“Egyptian women have always historically participated in public life … not only as protesters but also defending people. The role of women threatens. We are in a patriarchal society. Women are a big part of the group demanding more rights, there is a strong sense of women empowerment, however the society is not accepting that.

“If we look at the discourse used by the Muslim Brotherhood and the regime towards women … it is all related to sexuality and the body. It is never related to issues of equal pay … these tapes you mentioned that has become an epidemic is part of the plan to get different groups of people not to participate in Tahrir. It is very alive and it will not stop,” says Omran.

Sexual harassment and attacks on women in Egypt were a problem before the January 25 revolution, but in the two years since the Arab Spring came to Cairo, the problem has grown worse.

Violent assaults - groping, stripping and rapes have become increasingly frequent at the heart of the uprising, Tahrir Square.

Sexual assault in Egypt, activists say, has become a weapon of war against women. Many have long stayed silent, but not anymore.

One of those making their voices heard is Ragia Omran, a prominent lawyer, human rights activist, and feminist. She talks to Al Jazeera about the women abused in Egypt, the role of women, and why she refuses to stay silent.