Until the Saudi authorities who administer the holy sites take concrete steps to protect female pilgrims, we must protect each other. Men must stop assaulting us, yes. But women the world over, regardless of faith, know that until that happens, we are each other's keepers.

The quote by Mona Eltahawy, "Until the Saudi authorities who administer the holy sites take concrete steps to protect female pilgrims, we must protect each other. Men must stop assaulting us, yes. But women the world over, regardless of faith, know that until that happens, we are each other's keepers," highlights the urgent need for protection and solidarity among women, especially in contexts where institutional safeguards are lacking. Eltahawy points to the failure of Saudi authorities to adequately ensure the safety of female pilgrims visiting holy sites, emphasizing that while systemic change is necessary, women must also rely on each other for support and protection in the meantime.

Mona Eltahawy is a prominent Egyptian-American journalist and activist known for her outspoken advocacy on women’s rights and against gender-based violence. This quote reflects her critique of institutional shortcomings regarding the safety of women, particularly in conservative settings like Saudi Arabia, where strict social controls and gender segregation often exacerbate vulnerabilities. Eltahawy’s call to action urges women globally to form bonds of mutual care and vigilance as a form of resistance and empowerment.

The phrase "we are each other's keepers" resonates with a broader feminist principle of communal responsibility and sisterhood. It acknowledges that while men must be held accountable for ending violence, women must also support one another to navigate unsafe environments. This shared responsibility is both a practical and symbolic stance, reinforcing the power of unity in confronting systemic gender injustice.

Ultimately, Eltahawy’s words expose the intersection of cultural, religious, and political issues impacting women’s safety while affirming the strength found in female solidarity. The quote encourages women worldwide to stand together, creating protective networks and advocating for change until authorities fulfill their duty to protect all pilgrims equally.