Egypt, a country that prides itself on its ancient civilization and cultural heritage, still harbors a dark, shameful secret: racism.

This isn’t some relic of the past; it’s alive and kicking in the hearts and minds of those who should know better.

The recent disgraceful incident involving Hiba Mohamed Fadl, a social worker bullied for her skin color by a supposed “educational leader,” is yet another reminder that the prejudice we pretend doesn’t exist is very much alive.

The Incident

Imagine showing up to work, only to be publicly humiliated and reduced to nothing more than the color of your skin. This is exactly what happened to Hiba Mohamed Fadl when she was asked if she was Sudanese because of her darker skin.

Her ‘crime’? Being from Aswan and having a skin tone that some Egyptians still discriminate against.

The acting director of the El-Marg Educational Administration, Amani M. K., thought it appropriate to ask Hiba what she was doing in Cairo, as if the city belongs only to those with lighter skin.

Amani’s racist remarks weren’t just hurtful; they were a blatant violation of human decency and professional conduct.

But what’s worse?

The fact that this kind of behavior is not an anomaly—it’s a symptom of a much deeper, systemic issue.

The Bigger Picture

Racism in Egypt isn’t new. It’s embedded in our language, our jokes, and, evidently, in the attitudes of those who are supposed to be role models for our children.

How many more Hibas have to suffer in silence before we, as a society, finally admit that we have a problem?

Let’s be clear: this isn’t just about one woman’s experience.

It’s about a culture that perpetuates the idea that darker skin is something to be ashamed of, something to be ridiculed. And let’s not pretend this is limited to the uneducated or the uninformed.

This is happening in our schools, among the very people entrusted with shaping the minds of the next generation.

The Response

Hiba did what any rational person would do—she sought justice. She filed complaints with the Prime Minister’s Office, the Ministry of Education, the Administrative Prosecution, and other relevant bodies.

And yet, the fact that she had to turn to social media to get any sort of attention speaks volumes about the lack of urgency from those in power.

Ayman Mousa, the Director of the Cairo Governorate Education Directorate, met with Hiba Fadl on Sunday.

During the meeting, Mousa emphasized the crucial role teachers play in the educational process, in shaping future generations, and in nurturing the youth. He highlighted that teachers are held in the highest esteem, not only for their professional role but also for their national and humanitarian mission.

While this might seem like a noble act, where is the outrage?

Silence. Deafening silence.

It’s almost as if, deep down, we’re okay with it. As long as it doesn’t happen to us or someone we care about, we turn a blind eye.

But make no mistake—this silence is complicity.

We can’t keep wrapping ourselves in the flag of Egypt’s glorious past while ignoring the rot festering in our present.

Racism isn’t just an ugly word; it’s a poison that seeps into every corner of our society, eroding the very fabric of who we are. Hiba Mohamed Fadl’s ordeal should be a blaring siren that we can’t afford to ignore.

The question is, will we finally listen?

To those who stand by and do nothing, you are part of the problem.

To those who think racism in Egypt is just “how things are,” you are wrong.

It’s time to speak out, to support those who are targeted, and to demand better from our leaders, our educators, and ourselves.

If we want to be proud of our country, we must first ensure that it is a place where all Egyptians—regardless of their skin color—can live with dignity and respect.