Abla El Hawary historic role in Egyptian Parliament

On January 12, 2026, Egypt witnessed a landmark moment in its parliamentary history when “Abla El Hawary” presided over the opening session of the House of Representatives. At 79, she became the first woman to lead parliamentary proceedings in the 160-year history of Egypt’s legislature, marking a significant milestone for women’s political representation in the country.

Constitutional role in the opening session

Under Egypt’s constitutional and parliamentary procedure, the senior-most member of a newly elected House temporarily chairs the inaugural sitting. As the oldest MP, El Hawary assumed this responsibility for the 2026 legislative term. She administered the constitutional oath to all 596 members and supervised the election of the Speaker and deputy speakers before formally handing over charge. Though procedural, the moment carried strong symbolic value for gender inclusion in governance.

Early life and legal grounding

El Hawary was born in April 1947 in Sohag Governorate in Upper Egypt. She grew up in a politically aware household; her father, Sheikh Mohamed Omar El Hawary, was a respected legal expert and a former Member of Parliament in the 1960s. This early exposure shaped her interest in law and public affairs. She pursued legal training and began her career as a legal researcher, gaining expertise in constitutional interpretation and legislative processes at a time when such paths were uncommon for women.

Parliamentary and ministerial career

Over decades of public service, El Hawary served in both chambers of Egypt’s legislature, including the former Shura Council and the House of Representatives. She worked on key parliamentary committees dealing with legislation, values, and parliamentary conduct. She also held ministerial responsibilities related to health and housing affairs, addressing sensitive social and welfare issues. Her steady rise earned her cross-party institutional respect.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Egypt’s House of Representatives has 596 members.
• The senior-most MP chairs the opening session of a new legislature.
• Egypt’s Constitution reserves 25% of parliamentary seats for women.
• Women currently constitute over one-fourth of Egypt’s Parliament.

Broader significance for women in Egypt

El Hawary’s role highlighted gradual but tangible progress in women’s political participation in “Egypt”. Seated alongside two of the youngest MPs, both women, her presence symbolised an intergenerational shift in leadership. While temporary, her stewardship of the House underscored how experience, constitutional norms, and gender inclusion are increasingly intersecting in Egyptian public life.