Nabila Muhammad

Pioneered women's education in Egypt through the establishment of schools and advocacy for literacy.

Nabila Muhammad (1830–1900) was a pioneering Egyptian educator and social reformer who dedicated her life to advancing women's education during a time when female literacy was severely limited. Born into a family of scholars in Cairo, she witnessed the societal barriers that prevented women from accessing education. In 1855, she founded the first girls' school in Alexandria, defying cultural norms by teaching subjects like mathematics, literature, and science. Her efforts were further amplified through her writings, including the influential "The Path to Knowledge for Girls", which argued for education as a means of empowerment.

Under her leadership, the school expanded to include vocational training in textile production and healthcare, preparing women for roles beyond traditional domestic spheres. Muhammad collaborated with local leaders and international educators, such as French feminists, to establish a network of schools across Upper Egypt. Her work laid the groundwork for the Egyptian feminist movement of the early 20th century. Today, her legacy is celebrated through the Nabila Muhammad Foundation (https://nabilamfoundation.org), which continues her mission of educational equity.