The story of women in Egypt’s judiciary is one of perseverance, progress, and a long-fought battle for equality. While women have always played important roles in various sectors of society, their presence in the legal system has been a recent and hard-won achievement. From social and institutional challenges to breakthroughs in representation, women in Egypt’s judiciary have faced an uphill journey. Yet, their growing presence today serves as a powerful testament to how far the country has come—and how much further it still has to go.
A Historical Struggle
For much of Egypt’s history, the judiciary was an exclusively male domain. Legal and societal norms, deeply rooted in tradition, kept women from entering the profession for years. The first significant step came in 1957, when laws were amended to allow women to work in Egypt’s legal sector. Yet, it wasn’t until 2003 that Egypt appointed its first female judge to an ordinary court. This marked a milestone in the struggle for gender equality in law but was only the beginning of a much longer journey.
For many years, women judges faced significant barriers, including resistance within the legal community and skepticism from the public. They had to navigate an environment that was not only male-dominated but often unsympathetic to the idea of women in powerful positions.
Breaking Barriers
The real turning point for women in Egypt’s judiciary came in the early 2000s. As societal attitudes slowly began to shift, the need for greater gender inclusion in the judiciary became apparent. Despite facing deep-rooted resistance, women who entered the judiciary proved their competence and dedication, making a strong case for more inclusive representation.
The years that followed saw slow but steady progress. The judicial community began to open up to women’s roles, and their presence in higher courts such as the Supreme Constitutional Court and the State Council gradually increased. These changes, however, did not come without significant challenges—both institutional and social.
Women in the judiciary had to work harder to prove their worth, often facing gender-based discrimination, skepticism, and a lack of supportive policies. Work-life balance, especially for women juggling family responsibilities, was another major obstacle that further hindered the pace of change.
Progress in Recent Years
Fast forward to the past decade, and Egypt has witnessed a noticeable increase in the number of women joining the judiciary. The once unthinkable prospect of women serving as judges and prosecutors at the highest levels is now a reality, thanks to deliberate legal reforms and a shift in societal views about gender roles in leadership.
The government’s proactive stance on gender equality in the judiciary is also playing a role in this transformation. Many women have taken up positions in prestigious judicial bodies such as the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Public Prosecution, and the State Council. These appointments are not just symbolic—they are evidence of how much women’s roles in Egypt’s legal system have evolved.
By the Numbers: A Growing Presence
A closer look at the numbers shows just how far Egypt has come in increasing the number of women in the judiciary. While the process has been gradual, the growth in female representation over the last two decades is undeniable. The following table reflects the steady rise in the number of women serving across various judicial bodies:
From just 1,315 women in the judiciary in 2003, the number increased to 4,067 by 2022. This progress isn’t just in numbers—it’s in the roles women now occupy in some of the country’s highest judicial bodies. For example, the Supreme Constitutional Court, which once had no female representation, now boasts 20 women serving in various capacities.
The Road Still Ahead
Although the progress made is commendable, the journey is far from complete. Advocates for gender equality in the judiciary stress that women still face challenges in reaching the top echelons of the legal profession. Gender bias remains a significant issue, and there are calls for further legal reforms to ensure women are given equal opportunities for leadership positions.
More importantly, systemic changes are needed to ensure that women in the judiciary receive the support they need to succeed. This includes policies that help balance the demands of professional and personal life, as well as continued efforts to break down the barriers to career advancement.
The increasing number of women judges is not only a victory for gender equality but also a step toward a more inclusive, just, and representative legal system. Egypt’s legal system, just like any other, benefits from diverse perspectives and experiences, and the rise of women in the judiciary is a clear example of how gender inclusivity strengthens institutions.
