The Muslim Brotherhood and their Islamist platform have become a powerful political force since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. Their ranks include women who also advocate a greater role for Islam in Egyptian society and government. But what role do these “sisters” play given the conservative, male-dominated hierarchy of the Brotherhood? Cairo-based photojournalist Pauline Beugnies spent over a year exploring these issues ahead of Egypt’s presidential elections.
Egypt’s Muslim Sisterhood: What Roles Do Islamist Women Play?
The Muslim Brotherhood and their Islamist platform have become a powerful political force since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. Their ranks include women who also advocate a greater role for Islam in Egyptian society and government. But what role do these "sisters" play given the conservative, male-dominated hierarchy of the Brotherhood?
Pauline Beugnies / Out of Focus
The osra--or family--is the basic organizing block of the Muslim Brotherhood. Despite the MB's strict regulation of gender roles, there are separate osra for women. Once a week, young women members gather under the supervision of older more experienced "sisters" to discuss the role of religion in their private lives.
