Egypt swears in 48 female judges in the State Council

Egypt has sworn in 48 women as judges in the State Council, marking the first time women have been appointed to the country’s top administrative court since its establishment in 1947.

The oath was taken before Council President Osama Youssef Shalaby. The appointments represent a major step in implementing the 2014 Egyptian Constitution, which calls for greater empowerment of women in public roles, including participation in the judiciary.

For decades, positions in the State Council were restricted to men, despite increasing numbers of women serving in other branches of the judiciary. The new judges are expected to play a pioneering role as the first female members of the institution, carrying the weight of public expectations and scrutiny as they begin their service.