Home » Archives
Ask Marwa: I am a rape survivor (Identity Magazine)
Written on 7 Nov, 2011 at 19:27 in Articles.مقالات, IDENTITY MAGAZINE | viewed times
I know that living in a religious strict society like Egypt, I couldn’t face the world as a raped victim; I know it’s not my fault but still in our society it’s hard to be accepted. Who on earth... (Continue reading)
HEY YOU! ARE YOU HIS SLAVE?
Written on 21 Dec, 2010 at 8:34 in Articles.مقالات, WHAT WOMEN WANT MAGAZINE | viewed times
I was reading an article about the nature of the Master/Slave relationship and I found out that most male/female relationships in Egypt – and probably in the Arab world – are a replica of Master/Slave relationships. The “female slavery contract” is... (Continue reading)
An email from a girl to all my readers
Written on 23 Sep, 2010 at 13:40 in Articles.مقالات, RANDOM/خواطر | viewed times
"One day you are your father's property. One day you are your husband's property. It must be difficult."... (Continue reading)
HEY YOU! WHAT IS YOU?!
Written on 18 Aug, 2010 at 12:07 in Articles.مقالات, WHAT WOMEN WANT MAGAZINE | viewed times
Sloth is a deadly sin … cursed are those lazy whining good-for-nothing self-pitying souls! ... (Continue reading)
Do Egyptians have a natural aversion towards women?
Written on 26 Jul, 2010 at 13:12 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Do Egyptians have a natural aversion towards women? Zeinobia is very unhappy with this emerging social trend, Mohaly is wondering where we are going with segregation, Diptychal wonders why they want to shut them up, and Eman Hashim is begging... (Continue reading)
Sexually Harassed at Home!
Written on 19 Jul, 2010 at 19:37 in Articles.مقالات, IDENTITY MAGAZINE | viewed times
Sexually Harassed at Home! Wait! Do not turn the page! Do not say it will never happen to my daughter! I had to delete many parts of the story to secure the anonymity of the sender; nonetheless, the story remains horrifying!... (Continue reading)
Bikya Masr: Women judges in Egypt see back and forth game
Written on 3 Jun, 2010 at 6:13 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
Rakha added "If a person - male or female, heterosexual or homosexual, HIV infected or not, dark-skinned or fair-skinned - has passed their exams and assessments for any position in the state then they are fully entitled to assume that... (Continue reading)
CAMPUS MAGAZINE: I AM NOT A FEMINIST!
Written on 1 Apr, 2010 at 10:33 in Articles.مقالات, CAMPUS MAGAZINE | viewed times
People who meet me for the first time, people who read my book, people who read my articles, people who listen to or watch my shows, people who interview me, and people who talk about me - why do they... (Continue reading)
When is Divorce a bad idea?
Written on 24 Mar, 2010 at 3:55 in Articles.مقالات, IDENTITY MAGAZINE | viewed times
I have been married since 2000 and I have a 7 year old daughter and a newly born baby boy. I am a university graduate but I have never worked before. My husband is in the media industry and he... (Continue reading)
MARWA RAKHA: AUDIO BOOK: THE POISON TREE – PLANTED & GROWN IN EGYPT
Written on 18 Mar, 2010 at 7:13 in Free Books.كتب مجانية, Marwa's Books-كتب مروة | viewed times
Marwa Rakha's first book - The Poison Tree - planted & grown in Egypt - has become Egypt's first literary audio book in English. Narration: Marwa Rakha. ... (Continue reading)
CAMPUS MAGAZINE: A Woman Without Her Man Is Nothing
Written on 1 Nov, 2009 at 3:21 in Articles.مقالات, CAMPUS MAGAZINE | viewed times
Now you know why your father smothered your freedom ... if you get too comfortable at his home you will never want to get married and he will be stuck with your responsibility forever.... (Continue reading)
Egypt: Egyptian Male Blogger Orders Artificial Hymen
Written on 29 Oct, 2009 at 2:09 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
When Radio Netherlands broadcasted an Arabic translation of the Artificial Virginity Hymen kit, when Youm7 newspaper announced that the product will be available on the Egyptian market for LE 83, when conservative parliament members in Egypted wanted the product banned... (Continue reading)
Arab Women… Minors Until They Die
Written on 11 Sep, 2009 at 0:52 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Though blessed with inner strength that enables them to deal with the shackles of their culture, some Arab women are dealt with as minors who will never reap the fruits of adulthood. Egyptian bloggers Fantasia's World, Dalia Ziada, Asser Yasser,... (Continue reading)
FREE DOWNLOAD: THE POISON TREE – PLANTED & GROWN IN EGYPT (ENGLISH EDITION)
Written on 1 Sep, 2009 at 7:33 in Free Books.كتب مجانية, Marwa's Books-كتب مروة | viewed times
This is a book about love, marriage, divorce, sex, dating, virginity, adult dating, religion, shame, taboos, gender wars and fear that grew and blossomed on my poison tree. Dedicated to every female trying to break free and to every male who... (Continue reading)
Egypt: The Escort and The Doctor
Written on 8 Aug, 2009 at 23:54 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Upon hearing about Cairo's Escort Services, Dr. Mohamed Aly wrote a short post comparing between his status and the escort's - he lost!... (Continue reading)
CAMPUS MAGAZINE: A RELATIONSHIP IS BAD FOR YOU WHEN …
Written on 1 Aug, 2009 at 3:24 in Articles.مقالات, CAMPUS MAGAZINE | viewed times
50. You wish you could push a delete button and that person, your memories, and your pain would just vanish (there is no delete button ... we all know that! But there is a delete and block button that helps... (Continue reading)
Egyptian Women and a Fresh Outlook on Divorce
Written on 16 Jul, 2009 at 23:34 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Divorce has always been a stigma in the Egyptian society. Today, the winds of change are blowing this away. In this post, Marwa Rakha follows conversations on Egyptian blogs which show what is being done to right a wrong situation.... (Continue reading)
Recorded Advice: I do not like Egyptian Girls
Written on 21 May, 2009 at 8:48 in Shows.برامج, باب مروة رخا و مشاكل القراء, مشاكل القراء و حلولها الصوتية | viewed times
That's why I can't fall in love with any Egyptian girl easily.. and even when I felt some admiration for a girl, I failed to make it love because she thinks it's inappropriate to talk to guys.... (Continue reading)
Novelist Marwa Rakha on women and breaking ranks with the mainstream
Written on 7 May, 2009 at 10:53 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
In her semi-autobiographical novel, Rakha spoke about personal and intimate experiences which above all reflected some of the rights violations and emotional distress that women in a patriarchal society endure. Despite focusing on women's issues, she refused to be labelled... (Continue reading)
Recorded Advice: Why don’t you get married and wear a scarf?
Written on 4 May, 2009 at 21:25 in Shows.برامج, باب مروة رخا و مشاكل القراء, مشاكل القراء و حلولها الصوتية | viewed times
My sister used to live with me in the Stated, last year she decided to move back to Egypt. She is 27 years old. She is been home now for about 9 month and she is faceing a huge problem.... (Continue reading)
Recorded Advice: I am tired of playing games!
Written on 24 Apr, 2009 at 23:27 in Shows.برامج, باب مروة رخا و مشاكل القراء, مشاكل القراء و حلولها الصوتية | viewed times
im 32 yrs old i feel that in all my relationships im the wrong person im very honest and direct and a bit openminded but i realized that for a relationship to work i have to lie and be dishonest... (Continue reading)
Recorded Advice: Why did she leave me?
Written on 21 Apr, 2009 at 2:55 in Shows.برامج, باب مروة رخا و مشاكل القراء, مشاكل القراء و حلولها الصوتية | viewed times
besides she seemed so pure... most my guy friends( and many of them have been into sexual relations) tell me the word"misatke has but one meaning ....that she did some thing with her 1st bf and she wont face me... (Continue reading)
My First Cover: Interview for Expat’s Guide
Written on 9 Apr, 2009 at 17:15 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
Me : A lot of people may think that you're so westernized. For instance, if she decides to dress in a certain way that does not line up with her father's principles, do you think she would ever go out... (Continue reading)
Loudly and Freely
Written on 8 Apr, 2009 at 16:51 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
A.A: What was the most difficult problem you faced with your readers? and have you ever regretted giving a specific solution for a problem? Marwa: The most difficult problems are the ones that the person does not want to overcome.... (Continue reading)
Egypt: Women turn to the Internet to fight taboos
Written on 23 Mar, 2009 at 21:57 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Young middle and upper class Egyptian women resort to the internet to fight their battles against taboos. The BBC interviewed some of them and Mohamed Hamdy of Bloggers Times comments on the article. ... (Continue reading)
Marwa Rakha: Simply Shocking
Written on 9 Mar, 2009 at 17:06 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
My ultimate goal in life: I want to be the wife of a man who shares my vision and brings out the best in me. With that man, I want to be the mother of kids who would make the... (Continue reading)
Egyptian -and Muslim- Girls between a Rock and a Hard Place
Written on 6 Mar, 2009 at 21:12 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Egyptian women are trapped between who they are and who they are expected to be; they are required to live up to the expectations of their parents, families, colleagues, and later on, their husbands and children. In their attempt to... (Continue reading)
Marwa Rakha: Through Nigerian Lenses
Written on 9 Jan, 2009 at 18:01 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
Boldness? I tried so hard for 21 years of my life to mold myself into the "good girl image". I failed. From 21 to 28 I had continuous inner conflicts and dilemmas of figuring out who I am and what... (Continue reading)
Gilded Serpent: Love and Romance, Egyptian Style
Written on 8 Jan, 2009 at 23:38 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
Bravely baring her soul and laying her innermost fears on the altar of Truth as she sees it, the author gives us a rare glimpse into the inner workings of Love and Romance, Egyptian Style.... (Continue reading)
Egyptian Spinsters
Written on 20 Dec, 2008 at 16:40 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
The outcasts of the Egyptian society - the spinsters - are raising their voices in an attempt to change how society views them. Khokha - the anonymous author of The daily diaries of a sinister spinister - says:... (Continue reading)
Buy The Poison Tree – Planted & Grown in Egypt (Paperback)
Written on 5 Oct, 2008 at 7:59 in Free Books.كتب مجانية, Marwa's Books-كتب مروة | viewed times
The Poison Tree is not a traditional novel; it combines the techniques of blogging, journal-keeping, and formal writing while retaining one binding thought that keeps the story together; poison is the fertile ground that I, and many others, was born... (Continue reading)
Why do Egyptians get Divorced?
Written on 18 Sep, 2008 at 2:32 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Statistics show that 75,000 Egyptian couples got divorced in 2006/2007. Marwa Rakha brings up oline reactions to the phenomena in this post. ... (Continue reading)
Young Egyptian Women Do Not Want to Work!
Written on 17 Sep, 2008 at 2:29 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
While some women are still struggling to prove themselves in the workplace, the young generation of Egyptian men and women seems to be taking different route. Marwa Rakha brings us the story of how young Egyptians told a television show... (Continue reading)
Egypt: A Man’s Views on Sexual Harassment in Egypt
Written on 29 Jul, 2008 at 2:14 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
In a series of posts tackling sexual harassment in Egypt, Marwa Rakha sheds light on a male Egyptian blogger's interpretation of what is really happening on the ground. "The Sex Files," by blogger Wael Nawara presents a rather interesting perspective... (Continue reading)
Mourning a sexually harassed Egypt – Part 2
Written on 29 Jul, 2008 at 2:12 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Reuters published survey on sexual harassment in Egypt is still stirring angry responses from Egyptian bloggers. Marwa Rakha sheds light on more reactions in this post. ... (Continue reading)
Mourning A Sexually Harassed Egypt
Written on 22 Jul, 2008 at 2:07 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
think the 17% of women who have reported not being harassed on the streets either live under a rock & never come out, or are too ashamed to admit to it, or maybe think that saying it never happened... (Continue reading)
From the Diary of a Sinister Egyptian Spinster
Written on 29 May, 2008 at 1:57 in Articles.مقالات, GLOBAL VOICES ONLINE | viewed times
Egyptian women have their own set of challenges, ranging from the right to marry themselves off to inequality in marriage and divorce rights. Marwa Rakha sheds light on the thoughts and writings of Eman - a self-confessed spinster. ... (Continue reading)
Maha Youssuf: Another Poisonous Book Hits Cairo Book Stores
Written on 9 Apr, 2008 at 0:00 in Interviews/ حوارات, Me.أنا مين | viewed times
I wouldn't really classify it as a great read, nonetheless it's a new writing attempt that worth a stopover.... (Continue reading)
From the diary of a single independent female in Egypt
Written on 9 Feb, 2008 at 3:40 in Articles.مقالات, IDENTITY MAGAZINE | viewed times
I am now sitting on my cozy sofa in my new living room absorbing the warm orange tones that surround me. The walls, the sofas, the carpets, and the radiant heaters in my fireplace seem to congratulate me on my... (Continue reading)
SOS … The Relationships Guru needs Help!
Written on 1 Jan, 2008 at 1:33 in Articles.مقالات, ENIGMA MAGAZINE | viewed times
On this page, now and today, I shamelessly take off my seven hats of experience and step out of my grand cloak of wisdom. I stand naked and shivering before you – my readers – seeking advice. This time my... (Continue reading)
Being Santa
Written on 1 Dec, 2007 at 2:53 in Articles.مقالات, ENIGMA MAGAZINE | viewed times
Year after year I wrote letters to Santa and year after year I failed to understand why his gifts always got stuck in the chimney or got lost in the mail. I assure you that all my letters were clearly... (Continue reading)
What Color is your Collar?
Written on 1 Nov, 2007 at 2:54 in Articles.مقالات, ENIGMA MAGAZINE | viewed times
When did I become so class conscious? How did I grow into that obnoxious girl that categorizes people based on where they live, what they wear, and how they talk? Their dialects, education, and possessions determine their location on my... (Continue reading)
Excuse me? Open What?
Written on 1 Oct, 2007 at 2:55 in Articles.مقالات, ENIGMA MAGAZINE | viewed times
“I am in an open relationship!” He said like a proud Egyptian declaring his American passport. “How do you mean?” I asked like a poor Egyptian who has never seen a map! I was not playing dumb; I seriously did... (Continue reading)
Women are like Ducks
Written on 1 Oct, 2007 at 0:58 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
A few years back Shania Twain inspired me to sketch an analogy between men and shoes. At the time, I had settled for a very wrong pair of shoes; uncomfortable from the start, though highly maintained, they lost their allure... (Continue reading)
Failure to Launch
Written on 1 Sep, 2007 at 1:31 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
It took a lot of strength and courage for a single girl like me to move out at the age of 28. Society, family, friends, men, and people who did not even know me frowned upon my decision. In the... (Continue reading)
CAMPUS MAGAZINE: When the Apple is Ripe it will Fall!
Written on 1 Aug, 2007 at 3:35 in Articles.مقالات, CAMPUS MAGAZINE | viewed times
I understand why a woman my age, or older, could be attracted to someone who is younger, or much younger; yet, I failed to grasp the logic - if such a word exists - behind young men who willingly consensually... (Continue reading)
The Road to Hell is paved with a Mother’s Good Intentions
Written on 1 Aug, 2007 at 3:05 in Articles.مقالات, ENIGMA MAGAZINE | viewed times
Being the daughter of an insectologist, I grew up playing with butterflies, examining mosquitoes, and studying the morphology of unheard of flies under the microscope. One day my father got me a silk worm – as a pet. With lots... (Continue reading)
The Color of Resentment
Written on 1 Aug, 2007 at 1:20 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
The Color of Resentment... (Continue reading)
A Woman without her Man is Nothing
Written on 1 Jul, 2007 at 3:07 in Articles.مقالات, ENIGMA MAGAZINE | viewed times
I wanted to put on a gown of rose petals and share with you pink dreams on scented paper; but instead of the sweet Valentine’s Day feature I had in mind, I was driven by painful anger to defend women... (Continue reading)
The Toy Boy Nightmare
Written on 1 May, 2007 at 1:36 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
I used to wonder what a young guy had to say to someone who was carrying her schoolbag when he was sucking on his thumb. My heart went out to those ladies who had to bear the inquisitive eyes that... (Continue reading)
CAMPUS MAGAZINE: Beyond Firewalls – Back from the Adult Underworld
Written on 1 Apr, 2007 at 3:36 in Articles.مقالات, CAMPUS MAGAZINE | viewed times
I also visited this site's affiliate sites specialized in alternative lifestyles, Asians, Russians, Literotica, and BDSM (Bondage and Discipline, Dominance and Submission, Sadism and Masochism.) I was amazed - Egypt had a very strong presence. After a week, when the... (Continue reading)
100 Tips for being a “GOOD GIRL” in Egypt
Written on 1 Apr, 2007 at 1:43 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
100 Tips for being a "GOOD GIRL" in Egypt... (Continue reading)
CAMPUS MAGAZINE: Until Death do us Part
Written on 1 Mar, 2007 at 3:36 in Articles.مقالات, CAMPUS MAGAZINE | viewed times
The men and women who shared with me their sob stories are victims of our society. The double standards that they are brought up to adopt create what we call in business, an execution gap. There is a big void... (Continue reading)
Tic Toc! It’s the Biological Clock!
Written on 1 Mar, 2007 at 1:45 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
The world seemed to conspire against me when I got a call from my mom a few minutes later. After the usual hellos, in her adorable enthusiastic tone, my mom shared with me a brilliant idea; I am to find... (Continue reading)
Mr. Benchmark
Written on 1 Sep, 2006 at 5:10 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
The memory of that day is so vivid in my head; he was wearing a black shirt and black pants, he had a lovely wide white smile on his face, he smelled of perfume and fresh laundry, and I had... (Continue reading)
The Peacock Syndrome
Written on 1 Aug, 2006 at 8:13 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
Like peacocks, the infected men, acted as though they were pecking at food, with their heads to the ground and their tails above to draw attention to themselves. They were waiting for potential females to scurry over in hopes of... (Continue reading)
I am not mad at you – I am just done with you!
Written on 1 Jan, 2006 at 8:26 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
It is easy for anyone on the outside to tell Heba to just leave. But she knows how hard it is to break free from his chains. She worries about his reaction, she is not sure if she can face... (Continue reading)
Up-close and personal with Mr. BIG
Written on 1 Oct, 2005 at 8:29 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
He walks in a room with his head stuck up; his big smile covers layers of confidence alternating with other layers of high self-esteem. He is known for daring eye contact and can mesmerize you with a naughty gaze before... (Continue reading)
How to lose a Guy in 10 Days .. Egyptian Edition
Written on 1 Sep, 2005 at 8:31 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
How to lose a Guy in 10 Days .. Egyptian Edition... (Continue reading)
Jerks …. Until proven Otherwise
Written on 1 Jul, 2005 at 8:33 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
I have been sitting on that sofa for more than an hour with the ever-so-familiar tear of uncertainty lingering between my eyelids, holding on to my damp eyelashes, and struggling to stay in place. A sense of heaviness grabbed my... (Continue reading)
Evanescence
Written on 1 Jun, 2005 at 8:36 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
Here goes my girlish dream of happily ever after ... to cherish and to hold vanished into thin air ... to love and to honor evanesced into dark vapors ... until death do us part is just an anagram of... (Continue reading)
Unwrapping the Chocolate Bar!
Written on 1 May, 2005 at 8:40 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
Sparky did not take much time thinking, "She is a slut; she is loose; she is easy; she cannot be trusted; she is not fit to be neither a wife nor a mother; she did it before marriage and she... (Continue reading)
Slap Slap ? that awful sound ? Clap Clap ? my baby let me down!
Written on 1 Apr, 2005 at 8:42 in (IN)SIGHT MAGAZINE, Articles.مقالات | viewed times
Men are caught between what they like and what they want; they like the girls that their minds do not want and they want the girls that their hearts do not like. A typical example of this schizophrenic condition is... (Continue reading)
