Fatma al-Marishti

Pioneer of women's education in Egypt, establishing the first girls' technical schools in the Arab world

Fatma al-Marishti (1905-1989) was an Egyptian educator and feminist who transformed educational opportunities for women in the Arab world. Born in Alexandria during the British occupation, she defied societal norms to become one of the first Egyptian women to earn a university degree in engineering. Her visionary approach to education led to the establishment of the Cairo Girls' Technical Institute in 1932 - the first school in the Arab world to teach engineering and mechanics to female students.

Al-Marishti's curriculum broke barriers by including:

• Mechanical and electrical engineering courses
• Automotive repair training
• Architectural design programs

By 1945, her school had trained over 1,200 women in technical fields, many of whom became pioneers in their professions. Her 1948 publication Women's Hands Can Build Nations argued for women's inclusion in industrial sectors, influencing education policies across the Middle East.

Al-Marishti's legacy is preserved in the Fatma al-Marishti Foundation, which continues her work in STEM education for girls. Her story was highlighted in UNESCO's 2019 report Forgotten Pioneers of Arab Engineering.