Explore the landmark divorce law reforms in 1970s Egypt, propelled by the passionate advocacy of the First Lady. Learn about the struggles women faced under laws favoring men and the need for reform. Hear personal stories and reflections on a political leader's assassination that sparked a movement for women's empowerment. Dive into the complexities of divorce laws and their potential to reshape society. This engaging narrative highlights a significant chapter in the ongoing fight for gender equality in the region.
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First Lady Becomes Reform Advocate
Jehan Sadat used her role as Egypt's first lady to campaign actively for women's rights despite criticism.
She cited her English mother and upbringing as shaping her open, reformist outlook.
insights INSIGHT
Court-Based Divorce For Fairness
Jehan argued that divorce should go through courts so judges can reconcile or adjudicate fairly.
She wanted women to appear before judges rather than be divorced unilaterally by men.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Personal Encounters Spark Reform
Jehan met many divorced women who were suffering, unable to see their children or get alimony.
Those stories personally broke her heart and motivated her campaign for legal change.
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In 1979, Egypt’s former first lady Jehan Sadat helped lead a campaign to grant women new rights to divorce their husbands and retain custody of their children.
Married to President Anwar Sadat, she wanted to play a more active role than the wives of previous leaders and told her husband it was his duty to make Egypt more equal for women.
After some persuasion, he issued decrees improving the divorce status of women despite facing a backlash, and these became known as “Jehan's laws”.
Produced and presented by Reena Stanton-Sharma.
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(Photo: Jehan Sadat in 1975. Credit: Hilaria McCarthy/Daily Express/Hulton Archive via Getty Images)
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