The Impact of Notions of Nationalism on Women's Rights in Egypt

Abstract

This article examines the history of women's status in Egypt in relation to notions of nationalism and culture. This unique relationship is reflected in the evolution of Egypt's constitution and its legal implications, regardless of whether those in authority tend towards ‘Islamist’ or ‘secular’ political objectives. Efforts to confront the challenges Egyptian women face in their everyday lives to establish their sphere of action in public space can never be archaic – Egypt's longstanding history of discrimination against women necessitates continued resistance. One way to challenge this culture of discrimination is by examining the question of national identity in Egypt and deconstructing the rift it provokes between genders through religious dogmatism based on patriarchal norms.