This talk aimed to help us gain a deeper understanding of gender inequality in the Arab world. It also highlighted what it’s like for women living in such a culture.  From ancient times to the modern day, the role of Egyptian society has gradually evolved.  We gained insight from the personal experiences of two working women, divorced mothers.  They grew up in Cairo, though their parents are from rural villages, often leading to a cultural rift between generations.  

Egypt is divided on the push for equality…..the northern part of the country is progressive, the south less so. But, the biggest contrast is between urban and rural. 

Recent years have brought more awareness of women’s issues which include lack of educational opportunities and equal representation in the workplace. Progress is happening: the representation of women in the Egyptian Parliament rose to 25%, literacy rate has increased to 65%. and college graduates went up to 11% in 2017. 

The biggest stride, however, was the passing of new 2000 legislation granting women the right to divorce their husbands.  Our speakers were dynamite…addressing both sides of the issue and taking lots of questions.  Just another reminder of how lucky we are to be American!!