Since the dawn of history, Egyptian women have played a significant role in the various aspects of life. March 16 was chosen to be Egypt's Woman's Day in pursuance to UN resolution urging member states to celebrate their own women's day each in accordance with a history event.

That day in the year 1919 marks Egyptian women's revolution against colonialism, their struggle for independence and the death of Hameida Khalil, the first woman to sacrifice her life for the cause.

On that day, 300 women demonstrators led by Hoda Sha'arawi took to the streets raising the crescent and the cross to symbolize national unity and denouncing British occupation and colonialism.

On the same day, four years later, Hoda Sha'arawi called for a demonstration, the first of its kind, for the foundation of the first Egyptian Women's Union. Her purpose was to improve women's educational level to ensure political and social equality.

Women in Egypt continue to be involved in the various aspects of life whether political or social. At present, Egyptian women can become members of parliament and are entitled to vote. They have also been chosen to fill such top-level positions as ministers, judges and ambassadresses.