The impact of political developments on personal status law reforms in Egypt

During my journey in writing this thesis, I owe a lot to a number of people who without their valuable support and assistance, I could not have completed my research. Jennifer Terrell, my thesis supervisor, provided me with a variety of books on state and gender, which enabled me to construct my theoretical framework. Besides, her meticulous reading made the thesis stronger. Also, the thesis’ reader Jasmine Moussa, provided me with important legal comments that contributed to the substance to the thesis. My Professor Mitchell Lasser at Cornell University profoundly shaped my thinking through his assigned readings, on the different factors as well as actors who affect the promulgation of law. I am especially indebted to my professors in the AUC Law Department, particularly: Professor Mina Khalil whose courses on Comparative Constitutions and Islamic Law broadened my understanding of the Egyptian constitutional court system and the complexity inherent in the interpretation of Islamic law; Professor Nesrine Badawi whose readings on human rights in the Middle East offered me a new perspective regarding women’s rights in the region; Professor Jason Beckett whose class on International Human Rights Law provided me with new insight on the effect of the colonial discourse on the promulgation of laws; and Diana Van Bogaert who never ceased to provide me with support and help whenever I asked for it. She is the best academic advisor I have ever met in my life. Special dedication to my dear professors Hanan Kholoussy, Joel Benin, Zachary Lockman, Marize Tadros and Mohammed Serag. I also want to thank my dear friends Sarra Moneir who helped me a lot in framing the theoretical framework and the research question of the thesis; Aya Safwat who provided me with important comments on editing, and more importantly, she tolerated my anxieties when I became very tense during the various stages of the writing process; and Leena Azzam, with whom I spent a lot of time in exchanging views and books on gender and law. Sarra, Aya and Leena are good examples of Egyptian female figures who are well-educated, decent and supportive. Thank you for being in my life. Most of all, I am fully indebted to my parents who never hesitated in supporting me financially and morally. I would like to thank them for everything they have done for me.