In a groundbreaking move hailed as a “historic achievement,” Egypt has officially appointed women as Assistant Delegates to the State Council and Assistant Prosecutors in the Public Prosecution Office—marking the first time in the country’s judicial history that women occupy such positions.
The decision, issued through a presidential decree, has been widely celebrated across political and civil society circles as a significant step toward gender equality and women’s empowerment within the judicial system.
Nasserin El-Baghdady: A Triumph for Egyptian Women
In a televised interview with Extra News, Dr. Nasserin El-Baghdady, Deputy Chair of the National Council for Women (NCW), commended the landmark decision, calling it a “precedent-setting victory” that reflects a genuine political will to integrate women into all facets of national governance—including justice.
“This is the result of deliberate political will and decades of advocacy,” El-Baghdady stated. “The constitution and legal frameworks have gradually opened doors, and today we’re seeing the fruit of those efforts.”
She extended her congratulations to Egypt’s leadership and its people, emphasizing that the step is aligned with national commitments to uphold women’s rights and to institutionalize gender equity across public institutions.
The Legacy of Dr. Aisha Rateb: A Pioneer Remembered
El-Baghdady was quick to underline that this milestone is not an isolated achievement but rather the culmination of eight decades of persistent advocacy, tracing back to pioneering figures such as Dr. Aisha Rateb.
Aisha Rateb (1928–2010) was Egypt’s first female law professor and one of the earliest women to challenge the gender barriers of the Egyptian judiciary. In the 1940s, she applied to become a judge—a move that sparked national debate and was ultimately denied due to prevailing gender norms. However, her legal acumen and relentless activism would earn her a different kind of trailblazing role: she became Egypt’s first female ambassador, appointed to Denmark in 1979.
Dr. Rateb was also a staunch advocate for constitutional reform and women’s rights, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies that advanced gender equality in Egypt. Her legacy continues to inspire generations of Egyptian women seeking a place in public service and legal professions.
A Golden Era for Women’s Empowerment
Dr. El-Baghdady emphasized that the current political climate represents a “golden era” for Egyptian women, marked by increasing female representation in parliament, diplomatic service, and executive leadership. Yet, she also urged women to meet these opportunities with readiness and resolve.
This judicial breakthrough marks a decisive turn in Egypt’s path toward comprehensive gender inclusion. As the newly appointed female judicial officers begin their tenures, they carry not only the weight of history but also the hope of future generations.
