Hend Sabri Covers Vogue Arabia September 2020, Lensed by Ämr Ezzeldinn
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Tunisian actor and lawyer Hend Sabri covers the September 2020 issue of Vogue Arabia. One of the most important voices in the region is styled by Yasmine Eissa in images by Ämr Ezzeldinn.
Vogue Arabia Editor-in-Chief Manuel Arnault caught me a bit off guard with his unusually poetic and engaged commentary around the September issue. As a woman long-involved with women’s rights in the Arab world, I’ve felt (and written) that the magazine could speak more directly about women’s rights issues.
Celebrating the right of women to drive in the Saudi kingdom is wonderful, but it should also be acknowledged that the women’s rights activists behind the campaign remained jailed, with great fears around their safety simmering among concerned activists.
Within this context — and also acknowledging the very real pressures that define Arnault’s editorial policy — I was surprised to read Arnault’s commentary about Hend Sabri’s place in the September issue — and the message on her hand.
Along with Lebanon, I’ve been closely following the many episodes of women being harassed in the region, and in particular in Egypt. It pains me that in this day and age, women continue to be deprived of security. One of the things I believe is equally shocking is the continuous shaming and blaming of women, who all too often feel discouraged to speak up against the men who harass them. This quickly became another topic I wanted to tackle this month. I called my dear friend, actor Hend Sabri, to speak to her about the issue. Along with a successful career filled with awards – in front of and now behind the camera – Hend is a woman I truly admire for her views, her sophistication, and her outspoken voice on the topic of female harassment. To my joy, Hend accepted my invitation and now shines on our cover, with “break the silence” inked on her hand.
