This paper was prepared by the two interns from India: Riya Garg, pursuing BA LLB, and Vishesh Anand, pursuing BBA (Oil and Gas Marketing) from University of Petroleum & Energy Studies Dehradun, who interned with the Center for Arab-West Understanding in Egypt between June 6 and July 15, 2018, under the guidance of Drs. Cornelis Hulsman (Editor-in-chief Arab-West Report).

We decided to write the research paper on gender equality, as following the 25th of January 2011 uprising in Egypt, calling for freedom and social justice, we read of discrimination between men and women in Egypt, so we began to investigate this topic. We were greatly influenced by our visit to the Giza Pyramids shortly after our arrival to Egypt. There we met an Egyptian man offering camel rides. After we mounted the camel, the gentleman noticed that Riya was sitting in front and Vishesh was sitting behind her. He immediately told us that the man must sit in front, and the lady must sit behind him. This stunned us and we asked why such a rule exists. He responded that this is simply a rule which everyone follows which he said should not be disputed. After reflecting upon this incident, we were drawn to investigating gender inequality in Egypt.

We were also interested in the role of Islam in regard to Women’s Rights. Under the laws of Islam, men and women are afforded equal protection and treatment. Given this view on equality, it follows that no gender could, therefore, be superior to the other. Under Islam, women are entitled to equal education as men, as well as the right to pursue work. Women must further consent to marriage and are afforded the right to divorce. This lead us to contemplate that if Islam states this, then why is there gender discrimination in an Islamic country? What are women in Egypt doing to address this?

We analyzed internet based sources, and interviewed Dr. Māya Mursī [Maya Morsy], president of the National Council of Women. The National Council has relied heavily on stakeholder participation, by holding meetings with a wide range of Egyptian women, in order to understand the true reality and complexities of the situation. We also interviewed Maḥmūd Nūralah, Director of international public affairs for the Nawāl al-Saʿdāwī [Nawal El Saadawi] Institute for Thought and Creativity.

Data were collected by Riya Garg. The writing work and arranging of data was completed by Vishesh Anand. All meetings and discussions were attended by both parties. All formulations are our own.