Egyptian women voted in the referendum on Saturday The role of women in the Egyptian democratic system has seen a significant change following the revolution. Observers have attributed this development to a gain of political awareness after the uprising, as well as the impact political and religious forces have had on women over the years.
Shahenda Mukaled, a left-wing activist, believed that Egyptian women did not know anything about politics, and did not really care either prior to the revolution. It all changed after January 2011, she said.
The Egyptian woman said she will vote against the constitution draft because women suffer too much from the religious currents in the country: “We want to be set free of this bad influence,” she said.
Dr. Houda Abdul Zahir claimed that women are not fairly represented in political parties or in the Parliament.
“The revolution liberated Egyptian women and they could well set the frame of the next Parliament,” Zahir said.
Karima Hefnawi, another political activist, said she will reject the constitution draft in the referendum, “because it undermines the workers’ rights and disregards freedom of expression.”
Munira, a street seller in Cairo, also said she will vote “No” in the referendum: “Since Morsi was elected, nothing has changed, only the prices increased.”
Souad Ibrahim said she will vote in favour of the constitution draft: “I want stability for my country. I’ve told my family and my friends to vote “Yes” in the referendum.”
Israa Mohammed, a journalist working for an independent newspaper, will vote against the constitution. She said the Constituent assembly only represented one political voice.
Khayria, a housewife, said she will say yes to the constitution because she is not against applying Shariaa [Islamic law].
Lubna Ahmed, a student at university, will vote against the constitution draft: “It does not support free education. I didn’t read the text, but I listened to debates.”
A former member of the Freedom and Justice Party, Manal Abul Hassan has faith in the constitution: “I will say yes, because the draft answers the people’s demands. This is one of the best constitutions in the world.”