Youssra el-Sharkawy

Youssra el-Sharkawy, an Egyptian feature writer and columnist, covers cultural issues, human rights, women's empowerment and social problems. Her work has appeared in various local and international news outlets. On Twitter: @YoussraSharkawy

Egypt | Sep 5, 2022

Husband’s 'disobedience' aims at gathering public opinion about women’s right

A disobedience court warning filed by a wife against her husband is causing a stir in Egypt as it is the first time for a wife to take such a step.

A newlywed couple pose for wedding photos on a wall in a park overlooking Cairo, Egypt, Dec. 10, 2016.

Originals | Dec 21, 2020

Can 'experimental marriage' decrease divorce rate in Egypt?

An Egyptian lawyer proposed an initiative for couples in Egypt to sign a contract with a set of rules to avoid quarrels that lead to divorce.

Egypt | Dec 9, 2020

Egyptian dancers call for protecting belly dance

Several belly dancers in Egypt are leading a campaign to preserve their traditional dance from whom they describe as intruders that have sexualized the dance performance.

A Chinese dancer warms up before performing at a belly dancing school in the Egyptian capital Cairo on December 12, 2012. This picture was taken during a belly dancing festival with international performers from China, Russia, Lebanon, Tunisia and Britain. The festival organisers said they had received phone threats during the event, while some people, dreading the rise of Islamists to power, have expressed concern over restrictions to public freedoms posing a threat to Egypt's national dance. AFP PHOTO/PAT

Egypt | Aug 28, 2020

Egyptian women embrace natural hair in identity revolution

Salons and kitchens are hotspots of a change that is sweeping Egypt as women reject European beauty standards and celebrate their hair as it is.

Originals | Jul 2, 2020

Do kites really pose national security threat to Egypt?

The number of kites in the skies over Egypt has increased recently, and some consider this a potential threat to the country's national security.

Egyptian youths fly kites in the Saft el-Laban district of the Egyptian capital Cairo's twin city of Giza on June 15, 2020. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP) (Photo by KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images)

Egypt | Jun 24, 2020

Egypt’s top film festivals gearing up to open as scheduled

As Egypt begins to gradually lift restrictions imposed to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the country’s top film festivals are preparing to hold their events in the coming months while taking the necessary precautionary measures.

Egypt | Apr 13, 2020

Independent filmmakers dramatize COVID-19 in videos posted online

With art and culture temporarily confined to the internet, Egyptian artists are documenting the pandemic in short films, graffiti and creative photography.

Egypt | Apr 6, 2020

Egypt's family planning policies tested by COVID-19

Egypt has struggled to lower divorce rates and to convince people to have no more than two kids, but the pandemic may challenge these polices, as more couples stay home during lockdown.

Egypt | Feb 18, 2020

Death on the Nile takes a digital turn

Two online platforms help families organize funerals in Egypt.

Egypt | Dec 11, 2019

Egyptian anti-circumcision group calls for an end to 'male genital mutilation'

Several groups in Egypt and the Middle East are calling for an end to male circumcision, saying the risky operation is not justified for medical or religious purposes.