Remembering Malak Hifni Nassef
News
Call for Papers
17 – 18 October 1998
Malak Hifni Nassef (1886-1918) was a prominent figure at the turn of the century. In the eighty years since her death, she was commemorated once in 1924. Her contributions to the mainstream press, the women’s press (under the pseudonym of Bahithat al-Badiya), the debate on the “woman question”, the feminist movement, the articulation of a feminist consciousness, and her impact on her contemporaries are a testament to Malak’s unique character. Yet she is forgotten.
The Women and Memory Forum will organize a symposium to revive the memory of Malak. We encourage papers from a wide variety of approaches:
Possible suggestions for topics are:
1- Contextualizing the era. Papers discussing the main concerns of the early decades of this century: the enlightenment issue; nationalism; the press and journal culture.
2- A rereading of the debates at that time. Questioning the assumptions we may hold about men and women’s roles within that debate; gender and nationalism; education; modernity and tradition.
3- The mainstream press. Malak was the first woman to contribute regularly to the mainstream press. Examining the interchanges in al-Jarida and other newspapers; the work of Ahmed Lutfi al-Sayyid, Abdelhamid Hamdy, Salama Musa — their contributions and impact.
4- The Veil. Qasim Amin started the debate around the veil. Malak was strongly opposed to unveiling. She was a central figure in that debate. An analysis of Malak and Amin’s views will give a broader look at the issue and the different factions involved in it.
5- Malak’s relationship with her contemporaries. For example, an analysis of her relationship with May Ziyada, Huda Shaarawi, and Nabawiya Musa, among others.
6- An analysis of Malak’s writings and life. Her contributions to the issues and debates of her day. What is her legacy?
7- Mainstreaming women pioneers. How does the marginalization of women impact national memory? How can we construct a more inclusive history? What is the role of publishing?
Abstracts of 500 words for 20 minute-long papers should be submitted by
15 March 1998, to:
Nadia Wassef, Women and Memory Forum
Tel: (202) 3422498, Tel/Fax: (202) 3357130, Email:
Responses will be given by 15 April 1998.
The main language of the symposium is Arabic.

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