Gigi Ibrahim Egyptian activist, journalist and blogger Date of Birth: 12.02.1988 Country: Egypt

1. Gigi Ibrahim: The Revolutionary Voice of Tahrir Square
2. Early Life and Education
3. Involvement in the Left
4. 2011 Revolution and Beyond
5. International Solidarity

Gigi Ibrahim: The Revolutionary Voice of Tahrir Square

Gigi Ibrahim is an Egyptian activist, journalist, and blogger who emerged as a leading figure in the new generation of "citizen journalists" during the 2011 Egyptian Revolution. Her use of social media to document the events unfolding in Tahrir Square played a pivotal role in mobilizing public opinion.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Egypt, Ibrahim moved to the United States at the age of 14. She participated in anti-war protests and joined organizations advocating against immigration laws and aiding immigrants facing police persecution. After returning to Egypt, she enrolled at the American University in Cairo, where she earned a degree in political science.

Involvement in the Left

Initially unconnected to labor unions or opposition movements, Ibrahim's political awakening came during a lecture series on "Social Mobilization under Authoritarian Regimes" taught by journalist and Trotskyist activist Hossam el-Hamalawy, who later became her husband. Inspired by this course, she joined the Egyptian section of the Cliffian International Socialist Tendency, known as the Revolutionary Socialists.

2011 Revolution and Beyond

Ibrahim actively participated in political demonstrations in the lead-up to the revolution. She was instrumental in organizing the January 25, 2011 gathering in Tahrir Square, which ignited the mass movement against Hosni Mubarak. Despite the ultimate success of the revolution, Ibrahim remained critical of opposition figures who urged the crowd to disperse after Mubarak's removal. She consistently advocated for systemic changes in Egypt's socio-economic and political systems, including the end of police brutality and the nationalization of privatized industries.

International Solidarity

Recognizing the transnational nature of social struggles, Ibrahim has expressed solidarity with movements abroad. She has attended student protests in the United Kingdom and supported other social justice initiatives globally. Her photo, along with those of other "Facebook revolutionaries," graced the cover of Time magazine, showcasing her role as a leader of the Tahrir Square movement.