In a landmark ceremony at the State Council in Giza on Sunday, Egypt swore in 48 new female judges, marking an unprecedented step in the nation’s journey toward gender equality and judicial modernization. This historic cohort is the first group of women to join the prestigious judicial body through a direct entry-level pathway, signaling a profound shift in the structure of Egypt’s judiciary.
The move, hailed by officials as a cornerstone of the country’s comprehensive development strategy, underscores a dedicated effort to advance women’s empowerment within the highest echelons of state authority. The ceremony was attended by senior judicial figures and family members, celebrating a long-awaited milestone.
“Today’s historic step mirrors the country’s commitment to empower women and promote their participation in the judicial authority,” said Osama Shalaby, Chairman of the Egyptian State Council, in an official statement. He emphasized that the appointments align with a broader vision for digital transformation and institutional modernization within Egypt’s judicial system.
The State Council, founded in 1946 and reaffirmed as an independent judicial body in Egypt’s 2014 constitution, holds significant authority. Its jurisdiction includes adjudicating administrative disputes, disciplinary cases, and appeals, as well as reviewing legislation and state contracts. The inclusion of women through direct appointment is seen as vital for ensuring diverse perspectives in these critical areas.
This appointment builds on a pivotal moment from March 2022, when 98 women were first sworn in as judges of the State Council. However, those appointments were made via transfers from other governmental and judicial bodies. Today’s event is distinct and arguably more significant, as it opens the traditional entry door to female law graduates for the first time, creating a sustainable pipeline for future generations.
For the new judges, the day was the culmination of years of study and a powerful personal achievement. “It is an honor and a great responsibility to administer justice fairly and serve as a female role model in the judiciary,” said Samar Alaa, a newly appointed judge and a graduate of Alexandria University, her words echoing the sentiment of her colleagues.
The sight of the 48 women taking their oaths and posing for a formal group photo in their judicial robes sent a powerful message across Egypt and the region. Legal analysts and gender equality advocates have praised the move as a tangible result of ongoing national dialogues about the role of women in public life.
As these new judges begin their careers, they carry with them the dual mandate of upholding the law and paving the way for countless women who will aspire to follow in their footsteps, cementing this day as a definitive turning point in the history of Egypt’s judiciary.
