Egypt’s first lady Intisar al-Sisi hailed Egyptian women on the occasion of the International Women’s Day, celebrated every year on March 8.
On her official Facebook account, Egypt’s First lady: “On International Women’s Day, I greet all Egyptian women with a salute of pride and appreciation. A virtuous sister, and a daughter who fills life with joy and happiness.”
Sisi continued: “Greetings to the great women and girls of Egypt, for with them and their sacrifices, Great Egypt will always live.”
On 8 March of every year, the world celebrates International Women’s Day.
The celebration dates back to the 19th century, during the industrial revolution in America and Europe, as trade unions and workers movements increased in response to exploitation by business owners.
Protests had a great role in exposing the problems of the working woman. The first protest for female workers took place in New York in 1875, when workers in the textile industry protested against their working conditions. On 8 March 1908, approximately 15,000 female workers took part in a march in New York demanding a reduction in the number of working hours, a raise in pensions, an end to child labor and the right to vote.
Female writer and activist Azza Kamel said that no progress has been made in women’s political rights since former President Gamal Abdel Nasser issued the 1956 constitution which granted women the right to vote and run for parliament.
Although women now occupy suitable positions at work, the male-dominated perspective still limits their freedom. Working women and those in poor societies still suffer a great deal.
