Books to Understand Egyptian Feminism These books, both nonfiction and fictional tell the story of Egyptian feminism. It was in the 19th and 20th centuries that women in cities like Cairo and Alexandria began to define what it meant to be an Egyptian woman. The books listed are English translations of Arabic books to help educate people about the place Egypt had in Arab Feminism.

20th Century Women's Jail Contains a book cover of The Golden Chariot by Salwa Bakr This novel is a fictional account of the women who reside and work in an Egyptian women’s prison. The story uses magical realism through the character of Aziza who is trying to decide which of the women are worthy enough to join her on a golden chariot which will spirit them all to heaven. The story navigates the lives of the various women, from the poorest to the wealthiest, each with their own tale of how they arrived there. Even the female warden has a story to tell

The Autobiography of Huda Sha'arawi Contains a book cover of The Harem Years: Memoires of an Egyptian Feminist by Huda Sha'arawi This tells the true story of one of the founders of Arab Feminism and one of the key women instrumental in abolishing the harem culture in Egypt. Born herself into an elite family, Sha’arawi narrates what it was like to be raised in seclusion. Married at thirteen, she would be seperated from her husband to continue her education in France. On her return she would become the founder of the Egyptian Feminist Unions. Her writings in Arabic, French and other languages would have been read and discussed throughout the Arab world.

One of Egypt's First Modern Coptic Feminists: Esther Fanous Contains a book cover of Assiout: The Saga of an Egyptian Family by Hanna F. Wissa I am still in the process of reading this one as it was a bit difficult to obtain, but believe its essential to include. Authored by Esther Fanous’ son, it details his family’s history from the 19th through 20th century. There is also a detailed introduction to Coptic Christianity for readers unfamiliar with it. Most interested are the inclusion private photos and letters documenting Esther Fanous’ feminist activist work in Egypt during the 20th century. At the same time it provides key details into the lives of Copts, male and female alike.