Problems of Women's Education in Egypt: History and Modernity

The article examines one of the most relevant topics of Egyptian society — the issue of women’s education. From a historical point of view, the author analyzes the evolution of women’s education in Egypt, starting from the 19th century and ending with modern realities in the field of women’s education. In this context, important issues of the Arab-Muslim world are raised, such as the emancipation of women, the influence of religious factors on access to women’s education, gender inequality and women’s rights to education and work. During the 19th and 20th centuries, Egypt underwent significant changes in attitudes towards women’s education. With the beginning of reforms during the reign of Muhammad Ali, special attention was paid to education, including women’s education. Prominent Arab thinkers and educators of the time, such as T. Hussein and Q. Amin, actively advocated for women’s rights to education. They argued that it is impossible to build a strong and prosperous society without the participation of educated women who are able to make a significant contribution to the development of their country. Despite certain achievements, the current problems faced by Egypt in the social and educational spheres remain relevant. Women’s education continues to face obstacles, such as the high rate of illiteracy among women, especially in rural areas, where traditional views on the role of women in society continue to dominate. Gender inequality in education, where girls often receive fewer educational opportunities compared to boys. There are other social factors, such as strong demographic pressures and economic problems that affect women’s access to education. In conditions of poverty, families often prefer to send boys to school and girls to work or to the household. This creates a vicious circle where women’s lack of education leads to a low standard of living and limited opportunities for future generations. Nevertheless, the Egyptian government is aware that access to education for women is one of the key factors for the socio-economic development of the country. In recent years, the authorities have taken a number of steps aimed at improving the educational system and empowering women. This includes programs to increase literacy among women, the creation of special initiatives to support girls in schools, and the fight against gender stereotypes. Thus, the issue of educating women in Egypt remains an important and multifaceted topic that requires attention and an integrated approach.