Fatima Abdel-Rahman

Pioneer of Egyptian feminist journalism and media reform

Fatima Abdel-Rahman (1918-1975) shattered gender barriers in Egyptian media through her groundbreaking Al-Mustaqbal Feminine magazine. A Cairo University graduate in 1939, she became the first female editor-in-chief of Al-Ahram in 1947. Her 1952 manifesto 'Women's Right to the Press' demanded equal access to media roles. She launched the first Egyptian women's radio show in 1955, later establishing the Fatima Institute for Media Training that graduated 500+ female journalists. Her advocacy led to 1962 laws requiring women's representation in media. The UNESCO Fatima Award now honors media pioneers annually. Her writings remain core texts in Cairo University's gender studies program.