In my home country, Algeria, when a woman is harassed or abused, only some men will defend or protect her. Most men would ask, “What clothes was she wearing?” because many Middle-Eastern men believe that a woman’s “inappropriate” dress can provoke their worst instincts. Wearing clothes we like, even when they do not fit the mentality of the patriarchal society in which we live, is not a reason to harass us. I think the problem is in radical men’s minds, not in our choice of fashion or style.

We, women, are the foundation of our society. We are mothers, sisters, wives, and friends. We are the ones who raise the next generation. We are not machines for having children or satisfying the desires of men. We are independent and honorable human beings. Therefore, despite everything, we keep trying to be ourselves and break the chains of cruel customs and traditions.

I know a twenty-eight-year-old Algerian teacher who was recently set on fire only because she refused her neighbor’s marriage proposal. Although she is in physical recovery in Spain now, her suffering is not just from severe burns; she also suffers psychologically, just because she used her right to say no.

I was lucky that I lived between France and Algeria, and that my family was not harsh but supportive. Yet, millions of Algerian women do not have this luck. My hurting conscience keeps screaming: “Do not accept humiliation! Do not give in or give up! You are stronger than you think.”