Egypt is marking a defining moment in its modern parliamentary history as MP Dr. Abla El-Hawary takes the chair of the opening session of the House of Representatives.
A Breakthrough for Women in Political Leadership
El-Hawary’s role in opening the 2026 parliamentary term is being widely hailed as a milestone for gender inclusion in Egyptian politics. While largely procedural in nature, the session carries deep symbolic significance, underscoring a shift from symbolic presence to institutional leadership for women lawmakers.
From Upper Egypt to the National Stage
Born in April 1947 in Sohag Governorate, El-Hawary comes from the well-known Al-Balabeesh tribe and is the daughter of Sheikh Mohamed Omar El-Hawary, a prominent legal figure in Upper Egypt. Defying the social constraints of her generation, she pursued legal studies and built a career grounded in discipline, perseverance, and public service.
She began her professional life as a legal researcher before rising to national prominence through sustained engagement in legislative and political work.
A Record of Parliamentary Experience
Over the years, El-Hawary has served in both the Shura Council and the House of Representatives, earning a reputation for legislative rigor and institutional knowledge. Her work on the Legislative Committee and the Values Committee placed her at the center of key debates on lawmaking and parliamentary conduct.
She has also held a ministerial portfolio related to health and housing affairs, where she dealt closely with sensitive social files affecting families, women, and vulnerable groups.
A Moment That Redefines Representation
Presiding over the opening session of parliament is widely seen as a culmination of El-Hawary’s long public career—and a signal moment for women in governance. Analysts say the significance of the occasion lies not only in its historical “first,” but in what it reflects about broader shifts in political norms.
The message, they argue, is clear: women are no longer on the margins of legislative life, but at its center.
Child Marriage Law High on the Agenda
Beyond the historic symbolism, El-Hawary has made clear that her legislative focus in the new parliamentary term will be substantive. At the top of her priorities is legislation aimed at ending child marriage.
She has repeatedly warned that the continued prevalence of underage marriage poses severe risks to girls’ health, education, and psychological well-being, while undermining long-term social stability. Delays in closing legal loopholes, she has argued, have allowed the practice to persist—particularly in poorer and more vulnerable communities.
The proposed legislation seeks to establish a firm legal framework to protect girls from exploitation and ensure meaningful enforcement of the legal age of marriage.
