The images from Tahrir square defined international and local perceptions of the revolution. They were images of jovial, tenacious, carefree solidarity against autocracy. Hundreds if not thousands of women were involved in organizing supplies, medications, banners, marches, and international contacts. There were no distinctions between women who were veiled, face-veiled, non-veiled, women alone, with children, very young and elderly. Such moments of solidarity, equality, of hope and popular mobilizations are ‘liminal’ moments in which hierarchies and structures of distinction are temporarily suspended. But soon after the presidential exit and the entrance of an interim leadership, the square was transformed into a space of contention. The liminal moment came to an end. The 4th CTTC addresses the articulation of gender and national politics by tracing this troubled relationship. What can be the role of women in the new Egypt? Both professors will shed some light on their viewpoint, with Hania Sholkamy suggesting a framework in which women’s rights to freedom, equality and citizenship can inspire the transformation towards a liberated Egypt and Cilja Harders also drawing on German and international perspectives.

Prof. Dr. Cilja Harders holds the Chair of Middle Eastern Politics at Freie Universität Berlin and is Director of the Center for Middle Eastern and North African Politics.

Prof. Dr. Hania Sholkamy is Associate Research Professor at the Social Research Center of the American University in Cairo and affiliated with the Institute for Gender and Women Studies.

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