In a landmark moment for Egypt’s judiciary, the State Council has officially welcomed its first cohort of female judges, marking a significant milestone in the country’s path toward gender equality in public institutions.
In a ceremony held earlier today, Sunday, September 7, 2025, 48 women judges were sworn in before Counselor Osama Youssef Shalaby, President of the State Council, as part of the latest intake of 207 newly appointed assistant delegates, under Republican Decree No. 447 of 2025.
This historic step represents the first time in the Council’s 79-year history that women have been appointed to judicial roles within the institution — one of Egypt’s highest and most authoritative judicial bodies.
A Turning Point for Gender Equality in the Judiciary
The appointment of female judges to the State Council fulfills a long-standing demand from civil society and legal reform advocates, and follows years of public discourse regarding the representation of women in Egypt’s judiciary. While women have served in various judicial capacities since 2003, the State Council had remained exclusively male — until now.
This development comes in direct implementation of the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who has consistently called for greater inclusion of women across leadership and governance structures as part of Egypt Vision 2030.
Merit-Based Selection Reflecting Excellence
The 48 newly sworn-in women were selected based on rigorous academic and professional criteria, including their ranking among top graduates of Egypt’s law schools and judicial institutions. Their induction not only recognizes their individual merit but also sends a clear message about the State’s confidence in the capabilities of Egyptian women to uphold the constitution and the rule of law.
Broader Implications for Legal Reform and Representation
Legal scholars and women’s rights advocates have hailed the appointments as a milestone in legal and institutional reform, with the potential to influence judicial perspectives on issues such as family law, civil rights, and social equity.
Moreover, the move will inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in law and governance, reinforcing the government’s broader agenda to mainstream gender equity across all sectors.
