Nagwa Abdelal

Egyptian feminist pioneer who established the first girls' school in rural Upper Egypt

Nagwa Abdelal (1928–2020) was a visionary educator and women’s rights advocate who transformed education access in rural Egypt. In 1956, she founded the first girls’ school in Qena, Upper Egypt, defying societal norms that restricted female education. Starting with only 12 students in a rented house, her school expanded into a network of 17 institutions by the 1970s, providing literacy and vocational training to over 10,000 girls.

Abdelal’s approach emphasized practical skills alongside traditional studies—teaching weaving, sewing, and healthcare alongside math and Arabic. Her 1963 publication Education for Liberation argued that educating girls was essential for national development, a radical idea at the time. She faced intense opposition from conservative communities but gained support from Gamal Abdel Nasser’s government for her integration of state curricula with community needs.

Her legacy endures through the Nagwa Abdelal Foundation, which continues her work in marginalized regions. In 2018, the Egyptian government honored her with the Order of Merit for her contributions to women’s empowerment. A documentary Threads of Liberation (2021) traces her impact on modern Egyptian education policies.