Women Pioneers in the 20th Century: Figures and Issues

This book, edited by Hoda Elsadda, is a collection of articles discussing the main concerns of the early decades of the 20th century: gender, nationalism, education, work, modernity and traditions. The articles, presenting different discourses and analytical perspectives, are the research papers that were presented in two conferences held by the Women and Memory Forum in remembrance of Malak Hifni Nasif and Nabawiya Musa, two Egyptian women pioneers at the turn of the 20th century. The first section of the book deals with Malak Hifni Nasir and her contribution to the issues and debates of her day. The second section sheds light on Nabawiya Musa and her achievements in the general context of the Egyptian political cultural scene and her role in modern Egyptian history and the field of education. The third section deals with work and education in Egypt throughout the 19th and 20th centuries and section four includes presentations given at the roundtable discussions held during the conferences. Finally, the book ends with the testimonies of three women who had active public roles in the 20th century Egypt.