On January 12, 2026, Egypt experienced a significant moment in its parliamentary history when Abla El Hawary presided over the opening session of the House of Representatives. At the age of 79, she became the first woman to lead parliamentary proceedings in the 160-year history of Egypt's legislature, marking a watershed moment for women's political representation in the country.
According to Egypt’s constitutional and parliamentary procedure, the senior-most member of a newly elected House temporarily chairs the inaugural sitting. As the oldest Member of Parliament (MP), El Hawary took on this responsibility for the 2026 legislative term. She administered the constitutional oath to all 596 members and oversaw the election of the Speaker and deputy speakers before formally handing over charge. Though procedural, this moment held strong symbolic value for gender inclusion in governance.
El Hawary was born in April 1947 in Sohag Governorate in Upper Egypt. Growing 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 significantly influenced 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 rare for women.
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 participated in key parliamentary committees addressing legislation, values, and parliamentary conduct. Additionally, she held ministerial responsibilities related to health and housing affairs, tackling sensitive social and welfare issues. Her steady rise earned her cross-party institutional respect.
El Hawary’s role highlighted the gradual yet noticeable progress in women’s political participation in Egypt. Seated alongside two of the youngest MPs, both women, her presence symbolized 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.
Q1. What was significant about Abla El Hawary's role in 2026?
Answer: Abla El Hawary became the first woman to preside over Egypt's House of Representatives, marking a historic moment for women's political representation in the country.
Q2. How many members are there in Egypt's House of Representatives?
Answer: Egypt's House of Representatives consists of 596 members, with a legal requirement for 25% of the seats to be reserved for women.
Q3. What does the constitutional oath involve in Egypt's Parliament?
Answer: The constitutional oath involves newly elected members pledging to uphold the Constitution and perform their duties faithfully, administered by the senior-most MP.
Q4. What is the role of the senior-most MP during the inaugural session?
Answer: The senior-most MP chairs the inaugural session, overseeing the administration of the oath and the election of the Speaker and deputy speakers.
Q5. How has women's representation evolved in Egypt's Parliament?
Answer: Women's representation has evolved significantly, with women currently constituting over one-fourth of the Parliament, reflecting gradual progress in political participation.
Question 1: Who presided over the opening session of Egypt's House of Representatives in 2026?
A) Abla El Hawary
B) Sheikh Mohamed Omar El Hawary
C) Amina Mohamed
D) Fatima Al Shamsi
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What percentage of parliamentary seats are reserved for women in Egypt?
A) 20%
B) 25%
C) 30%
D) 15%
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: How many members are there in Egypt's House of Representatives?
A) 500
B) 596
C) 650
D) 750
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: What significant role did El Hawary serve in the Egyptian government?
A) Minister of Education
B) Minister of Health
C) Minister of Housing
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Question 5: Which chamber did El Hawary serve in during her political career?
A) House of Lords
B) House of Representatives
C) Shura Council
D) Both B and C
Correct Answer: D
Question 6: What year did Abla El Hawary make history in Egypt's Parliament?
A) 2024
B) 2025
C) 2026
D) 2027
Correct Answer: C
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