Said, Amina el-

Said, Amina el- (1910-1995), was an Egyptian feminist and journalist. In 1954, she founded Egypt’s first women’s magazine, Hawaa (Eve). The magazine provided more social commentary than articles about traditional women’s interests, such as fashion and cooking. Said also edited the popular weekly Al-Mussawar. She used both publications to further the liberation of women. She was the first chairwoman of the government-owned publishing house Dar El Hilal, which published both magazines. Said became famous for her advice columns, which gave frank and often controversial advice.

Amina el-Said was born on May 20, 1910, in Cairo. In 1935, she became one of Egypt’s first women graduates when she graduated from Fouad I University, now Cairo University. Amina el-Said died on Aug. 14, 1995.