Women in Egypt

The role of women in Egypt has changed significantly from ancient times to the modern era.

Early archaeological records show that Egyptian women were considered equal to men, regardless of marital status. They could own property, initiate divorce, and hold positions of religious and political authority, as exemplified by figures such as Hatshepsut and Cleopatra. However, their status declined over time under the successive rule of the misogynistic Roman Empire, the Christian Byzantine Empire, and later various Islamic states. While Islamic law granted women rights that were often denied in the West, such as the right to own property and greater marital autonomy, it also promoted gender segregation and restricted women’s participation in public life. Nevertheless, elite women continued to wield influence through patronage and familial networks.

Beginning in the 19th century, the Egyptian women’s rights movement emerged alongside broader campaigns for modernization, national identity, and independence from colonial rule. Feminist leaders such as Huda Sha'rawi, Zaynab al-Ghazali, and Doria Shafik advocated for women's political and social rights, especially after women were denied suffrage following the 1919 revolution and Egypt's formal independence in 1922. A major milestone came with the 1952 Egyptian Revolution: the new regime affirmed gender equality under the law, expanded access to higher education, and, under the 1956 constitution, granted women the right to vote and run for public office. Throughout the 20th century, women made gains particularly in education and healthcare. However, challenges remain: women’s participation in the workforce is still critically low, and gender-based violence and legal inequality (especially in the spheres of marriage and divorce) persists.