Nudity has never been a comfortable issue to tackle in a public forum but that is exactly what this 20-year- old Egyptian girl has resorted to, in order to make a point. Aliaa Magda Elmahdy has become an Internet sensation after her friend posted nude pictures on her blog, and later on Twitter with the hash tag nudephotorevolutionary. The reason behind this outlandish act is to oppose violence and discrimination against women in Egypt.
Aliaa’s Facebook page, containing these pictures were removed, but her blog and Twitter accounts have made her an international celebrity in no time. In less than a few days, her blog has registered close to 1.7 million views and her Twitter account has more than 40,000 followers. And closely following on the heels of this newfound virtual support is an online campaign by a group of Israeli women. Aptly titled, Homage to Aliaa el Mahdi, Sisters in Israel, the campaign is pictorially depicted with a bunch of nude Israeli women covering their private parts with a banner. A feminist #Jan25 revolutionary posted her nude photo on the internet to express her freedom. I’m totally taken back by her bravery!! tweeted human rights activist Ahmad Awadalla. And many believe that if correctly utilised, nudity can be a powerful tool to get things done. Dhillan Mowli, co- organiser, SlutWalk Bengaluru says, “Look at the kind of support she has drawn from other women. If nudity is projected aesthetically, it can have a stronger impact than words”
At a time when women equality and gender bias is being scrutinised closely by many, the issue needs to be tackled with maturity. Salsa dancer Lourd Vijay says, “The above average, intelligent male would love to have a confident, self sustained partner. However, it is unnecessary to make a point by baring all. It makes many people very uncomfortable and works as a pressure tactic.” Theatre artiste Nandini Rao agrees, “It’s very easy to dismiss such an act as a publicity gimmick. To avoid this, it must be followed up with a strong campaign, supported by facts. Take for instance the play Vagina Monologues. It affected people from the word go, but whoever has watched it, has praised it to no end! It was a revolution of sorts in the world of Indian theatre, which addressed an issue boldly.”
Aliaa’s act too, must go beyond the realm of social media attention, to produce desired results.