“Pink, it’s my new obsession.” After all, Aerosmith, said it best. For mothers around the world, it is too! At least for the month of October. In pink, women’s bosoms are sacred. So sacred that any war waged against them are campaigned, and fought against. Preservation for the source of Mother’s milk. Liquidation of mother’s love and nourishment. Through this precious source, antibiotics, vitamins, and all Earth’s treatments for healthy children. . .are found there.
For health activists students at AUC, mother’s milk and mother’s health are one of the many jewels of womanhood. So treasured, that even men have joined in the fight for their preservation.
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Breast Cancer Awareness Month is one of the holidays for women’s health. And, an important factor, at that.
When the source of Mother’s milk comes under attack, it’s time to fight back. And that’s where the good women and men of HEYA: Feminist Initiative, Mashroo3 Kheir, and Anti-Cancer Team (ACT-AUC) at the American University in Cairo come into play.
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
The wind was blowing vivaciously, as stickers, brochures, and other paraphernalia, graced across Bartlett Plaza. Active HEYA members quickly scuttled to prevent these treasures from floating, further across the plaza painting. Students and members positioned themselves to hand out important details to passersby. Of course, the women of AUC, took first priority.
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
Reminded by us knowledgeable dames on the significance of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. How relevant it is for women to become the chief monitors of daily breast checks! To become so in tuned with their own source of natural nourishment, that they are able to detect when imbalance has occurred inside her. And Egyptian mothers and maidens, are no exception. Oddly enough, for me (daughter and maiden of Black America), my first breast cancer walk and participation took place October 2010. During my first time, and semester in Egypt. . .I met Susan at Giza.
(Photograph Recuperated From Fayette Woman Magazine; http://fayettewoman.com/lauren-clark-citizen-world.html)
The Susan G. Coleman Foundation, in collaboration with other prominent Egyptian women’s organizations, held a walk in the pyramids. But, that my Dears, is for another story.
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
The point being, is that Egyptian women, and men, have been ardently working to ensure that breast cancer awareness is included, as part of the conversation for women’s health in Egypt. HEYA: Feminist Initiative, Mashroo3 Kheir, Anti-Cancer Team (ACT-AUC) is proof of that. A prominent theme for the celebratory week of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Making their presence known, and vigilant, on campus. And to confirm that the fight against breast cancer in Egypt. . .is alive and kickin.’
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
#Mother’s milk matters! And it is important to re-iterate and highlight so. Even more exciting, is that, as the awareness of women’s health in Egypt is highlighted, the role of men in this movement will be addressed, as well. In being exposed to more issues concerning women’s health, how will traditional gender roles of men (and their existence with the feminine) be re-constructed to the point where they will be liberated from rigid, patriarchal notions, that hinders their humanity? Such are important ideals to examine.
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
How can I ever forget that saying of “Real Men Wear Pink!” stamped on the pink t-shirts of Egyptian men, who participated in the 2010 Susan G. Coleman’s “Walk Through The Pyramids?”
Those cyclists, runners, and joggers, who proved that wearing pink, and joining in the effort did not take away from their humanity, or make them “less of a man.”
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
As the month of October comes to a close, memories over the success of the Breast Cancer Awareness campaign lingers. What was the outcome? Was the mission accomplished? They say you may not reach everyone. That’s one of the difficulties of activism. But. . .if you manage to change the lives, or grapple the attention of a few, then, you have changed the world for the better.
Until next time, more to come from an initiative. . .that celebrates women. And COLORS US. . .in PINK!
(Photograph By Nour Khalil; Edits By Lauren K. Clark)
