Picture an Egyptian-American firebrand who took on patriarchy with a pen and a fierce spirit—meet Mona Eltahawy! This journalist, activist, and author has become a global voice for feminism, challenging oppression with her bold books and unapologetic commentary. From Cairo to New York, her journey is a vibrant tale of defiance and inspiration.
With works like Headscarves and Hymens and The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls, Eltahawy doesn’t just write—she sparks revolutions. Her essays in outlets like The New York Times and The Guardian cut through cultural taboos, making her a beacon for women’s rights and social justice. Ready to dive into her story?
The Making of Mona Eltahawy
Born on August 1, 1967, in Port Said, Egypt, Mona Eltahawy grew up in a world of contrasts. Her family moved to the UK when she was seven, then to Saudi Arabia at fifteen, exposing her to diverse cultures and rigid gender norms. These experiences fueled her feminist awakening. A graduate of the American University in Cairo, she earned a bachelor’s degree in 1990 and a master’s in journalism in 1992. Her early career as a Reuters correspondent in Cairo and Jerusalem honed her sharp eye for storytelling and injustice.
By 2000, Eltahawy relocated to the United States, gaining citizenship in 2011. Her shift from news reporting to opinion writing unleashed her voice, blending personal experience with political critique. Her arrests—once in Tahrir Square in 2011, where she endured assault and broken bones—only strengthened her resolve to speak truth to power.
Mona Eltahawy’s Unforgettable Works
Eltahawy’s writing is a Molotov cocktail of fury and hope. Her first book, Headscarves and Hymens: Why the Middle East Needs a Sexual Revolution (2015), grew from a 2012 Foreign Policy article, “Why Do They Hate Us?” It’s a searing call to dismantle misogyny in the Arab world, blending personal stories with cultural analysis. The book’s provocative tone—described as both incendiary and illuminating—ignited global debates.
In 2019, The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls took her fight worldwide. This manifesto urges women to embrace “sins” like anger, ambition, and lust to topple patriarchy. Drawing on stories from South Africa to Saudi Arabia, it’s a rallying cry for defiance. Her latest, Bloody Hell!: Adventures in Menopause From Around the World (2023), tackles menopause with humor and candor, proving her range. Eltahawy’s newsletter, Feminist Giant, keeps her ideas free and accessible, amplifying feminist voices globally.
Her style? Think bold, unfiltered, and deeply personal. She weaves data, anecdotes, and righteous rage into prose that demands action. Whether writing about female genital mutilation or abortion bans, Eltahawy’s work is a clarion call for equality, resonating across cultures.
Why Mona Eltahawy Matters
Mona Eltahawy’s impact is seismic. She’s reshaped feminist discourse by centering marginalized voices, from Arab women to LGBTQ communities. Her #MosqueMeToo movement gave survivors of abuse in religious spaces a platform, proving her influence extends beyond the page. Awards like the Samir Kassir Prize for Freedom of the Press (2009) and Newsweek’s “150 Fearless Women” (2012) nod to her trailblazing.
Eltahawy’s legacy lies in her courage to confront “toxic mixes of culture and religion,” as she puts it, inspiring women to reject obedience for freedom. Her global lectures and media appearances—on CNN, BBC, and Al Jazeera—cement her as a feminist icon who doesn’t just write history but makes it.
- Born: August 1, 1967, Port Said, Egypt
- Key Works: Headscarves and Hymens, The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls, Bloody Hell!
- Awards: Samir Kassir Prize (2009), Newsweek’s “150 Fearless Women” (2012)
Snag The Seven Necessary Sins for Women and Girls and dive into Mona Eltahawy’s fearless feminist world! Her words will light a fire in you—promise.