05 October 2012

Egypt women face uncertain future as constitution draws near

.... The article causing a fury is Article 36 of the new Egyptian constitution (under the duties and freedom section) that states that both genders are equal, but there is a caveat, as long as Sharia law is not affected.

It reads, “The state is obliged to take all legislative and executive measures to entrench the principle of women’s equality with men in the fields of political, cultural life, economic, social and other areas without violating Islamic law (Sharia).”

Feminists have come out in anger, saying no two people can have an agreement on Sharia, making such a statement worrisome and threatening to gender equality. Pessimists in Egypt argue it is the natural product of a religious state in the making. [Women News Network] Read more