Appointment of Women Judges in Egypt

On  February 15, 2010, Egyptian judges voted against the concept of women ruling the Egyptian government’s apex advisory court, as reported by the country’s official media. Human rights activists criticized the move bluntly. The same day Hossam Bhagat, the director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, ruled out the judges’ decision. Hassan, who is also a human rights law specialist, blurted out his anger stating that the special council can overrule the decision on technical grounds.

It is reported that the council of state’s association passed a unanimous ruling against the appointment of women as judges in the council. This became evident by the overwhelming majority of votes against appointing women as judges. The news as reported by the MENA news agency of the country.

During the general assembly, out of the 380 judges who participated in the discussion, 334 were not in favor of appointing women for judicial posts. Only 42 judges gave their consent for the appointment of female judges in the country.

In 2007, 31 women were selected for judicial posts by the supreme judicial council of Egypt that controls criminal and civil courts. These women were later appointed under a presidential decree.

Does the Quran Bar Appointment of Women Judges?

No. Mohamed Sayed Tantawi, grand Sheikh of Al-Azhar, while heading the meeting of the Islamic Research Council (IRC) had stated that the Quran or Sunna does not bar women from being appointed for judicial posts.

The Hanafi School of Islamic jurisprudence favors females becoming judges in civil, personal status and financial courts. However, the institute rejects them from taking charge of criminal courts.