EGYPT: First female vice-chancellor appointed

More than a century after the first public university opened its doors to both sexes in this conservative Muslim country, Egypt last week named its first woman university president. Hind Hanafy was appointed by President Hosni Mubarak as head of Alexandria University in Egypt's second biggest city.

The previous post held by Hanafi, a 57-year-old paediatrician, was vice-president of the same university for postgraduate studies and research.

"I will pay particular attention to the promotion of medical education, scientific research and cooperation with European universities," an elated Hanafi said on her appointment. She also pledged to develop education in different colleges of the state-run Alexandria University.

"My selection to be the president of this prestigious university shows that Egyptian women are going ahead with establishing themselves firmly in all fields. The political leadership in Egypt is endeavouring for the empowerment of women as reflected in recent steps taken to utilise women's potential," she added.

In 2007, Egypt appointed its first female judges. Years earlier, this Arab country created the National Council for Women, a government agency headed by the First Lady Suzanne Mubarak. Egypt was the first Arab country to name female ambassadors, government ministers and MPs. The Egyptian parliament is debating a bill to allocate seats for women in both houses.

The appointment of Hanafi was praised by the National Council for Women as a new gain for Egyptian women. "President Mubarak's decision is a practical embodiment of his belief in the capabilities and efficiency of Egyptian women," said Furkhanada Hassan, the council's chairperson.

Under Egyptian law, the head of the state has the power to appoint presidents of the nation's 18 public universities.

Hanafi, a member of several children's welfare associations, was the deputy dean of the Alexandria University Medical School from 2003 until September 2006. She became a paediatrics professor at the same medical school in January 1995. There are five women deans at Alexandria University.