Abla El Hawary Makes History by Presiding Over Egypt’s Parliament

A Historic First in Egypt’s Parliamentary Journey

On January 12, 2026 , Abla El Hawary created history by presiding over the opening sitting of the House of Representatives in Egypt . At 79 years of age, she became the first woman to chair parliamentary proceedings in the country’s 160-year legislative history , marking a symbolic milestone for women’s political participation.

Constitutional Basis of the Opening Session

Egypt’s constitutional framework mandates that the senior-most member of a newly elected parliament temporarily preside over its first sitting. As the oldest elected MP, El Hawary assumed this role at the start of the 2026 legislative term.

During the session, she administered the constitutional oath to all 596 members and oversaw the election of the Speaker and deputy speakers, after which she formally transferred authority. While the role is procedural and temporary, its symbolic resonance was widely acknowledged.

Early Life and Legal Foundations

Born in April 1947 in Sohag Governorate of Upper Egypt, El Hawary grew up in a family deeply connected to public life. Her father, Sheikh Mohamed Omar El Hawary, was a noted legal scholar and a former parliamentarian in the 1960s.

She pursued legal education at a time when women’s participation in the legal profession was limited, beginning her career as a legal researcher . Her early work focused on constitutional interpretation and legislative drafting, laying the foundation for a long career in public service.

Parliamentary and Executive Experience

El Hawary’s public career spans several decades. She has served in both chambers of Egypt’s legislature, including the now-abolished Shura Council and the House of Representatives. Her parliamentary work involved committees on legislation, ethics, and parliamentary conduct.

In addition to legislative roles, she also held ministerial responsibilities linked to health and housing , dealing with social welfare and public policy issues. Her career trajectory earned her broad institutional credibility across political lines.

Important Facts for Exams

• Egypt’s House of Representatives consists of 596 members

• The senior-most MP chairs the inaugural sitting of a new legislature

• Egypt’s Constitution mandates 25% reservation for women in Parliament

• Women currently account for more than one-fourth of parliamentary membership

• Abla El Hawary is the first woman to preside over a parliamentary opening session in Egypt