Egyptian newscaster Fatima Nabil managed to fulfil a personal dream she had for over ten years when she became the first veiled newscaster on Egyptian television.  Her wish to appear on-screen wearing a hijab became a reality after the revolution, when a member of the Muslim Brotherhood became the Minister of Information.

Egyptian newscaster Fatima Nabil managed to fulfil a personal dream she had for over ten years when she became the first veiled newscaster on Egyptian television.  Her wish to appear on-screen wearing a hijab became a reality after the revolution, when a member of the Muslim Brotherhood became the Minister of Information.

The ambitious announcer, however, was surprised by the hype surrounding her appearance. Some objected to the decision allowing veiled broadcasters to appear on TV, describing it as an attempt to “dominate the state by the Muslim Brotherhood”.  Nabil considered this a ridiculous accusation because she is not affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, adding that it is absurd to consider the appointment of veiled women in the state as a sign of the Muslim Brotherhood’s domination over the state. 

Ms. Nabil, how did you react to the decision of the Minister of Information, Salah Abdulmaqsoud, allowing veiled women to appear on Egyptian TV?

I cannot describe how happy I was when I knew that I would realize a dream I had for more than ten years. When he issued this decision and asked the officials in Maspero to enforce it as quickly as possible, I ascertained that the revolution succeeded in achieving its main objective, social justice for all citizens.

Veiled women suffered under the former regime because the former Minister of Information, Safwat El-Sherif, was interested more in appearances than professionalism and efficiency. I always wondered why we did not see veiled women on Egyptian TV even though 90% of women in Egyptian society were veiled. Shouldn’t veiled women appear on TV to reflect the real society?

Why do you insist on working in Egyptian television although other Arab channels are open to veiled announcers?

It is a principle and a legitimate right that should not be waived. I had worked in Egyptian television as a translator almost ten years ago, and I wished to work as a broadcaster after many media experts confirmed that I was qualified. Indeed, I participated in a formal contest in 2005, but I was not accepted because of my hijab. However, I did not despair and worked for other channels in addition to my work in TV and gained a lot of experience.

When the January 25 Revolution broke out, Sami El-Sharif, former head of the Radio and Television Union, issued a decision to allow veiled broadcasters to appear on TV, which prompted me to participate in a new contest of announcers. Although the arbitration committee praised me, I was surprised that I was prevented from appearing on TV and that things would remain the same.

Nevertheless, I decided to submit a memorandum to the new Minister of Information. He surprised me by calling and stressing that there was no longer distinction between veiled and non-veiled woman, and that the real decisive factor was experience and qualification. When I presented to him the documents that proved my success in the 2005 and 2011 tests, he approved my appearance as the first veiled newscaster.

Some attacked that decision and considered it proof of the Muslim Brotherhood’s dominance over the state, including the media. What is your comment?

These ridiculous accusations have been released by a small group, so I have paid no attention to them and haven’t felt annoyed at all, especially since liberal and civil movements have welcomed my appearance, confirming that the revolution started realizing its dreams.

In fact, I refuse the accusation made against President Mohamed Morsi of trying to let the Muslim Brotherhood dominate the state and its institutions. It is not true, and I do not know why they link that to the appearance of a veiled woman on TV. If wearing a hijab is a proof of Brotherhood membership, then the entire Egyptian society belongs to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Some information suggests your affiliation to the Muslim Brotherhood.  Is this true?

These rumors are groundless; however, I believe that affiliation with the Muslim Brotherhood or the Freedom and Justice Party (FJP) is normal. I only worked for a short period as a broadcaster in the FJP ‘Egypt 25’ channel last year; I was chosen as a newscaster for my expertise not because I wore hijab.

Islamic preacher, Safwat Hegazi, said that Islam entered Egypt after you appeared on the Egyptian television. What is your comment?

I greatly respect this honorable Sheikh; however, I do not agree with such exotic statements at all, because Islam had entered Egypt centuries ago. The appearance of a veiled anchorwoman on TV does not mean that Islam is present or that we have become religious people. This is not true and unacceptably exaggerated.

Did you feel annoyed by the fanfare after your appearance on TV?

No! But I was surprised because most women in Egypt wear the hijab as we are extremely religious people. I did not know the reason for the hype, but after thinking about it for a while, I concluded that it was normal because the issuance or implementation of such a decision had been impossible.

There were many fabricated pictures and videos that offended you. What is your comment?

I cannot describe how sad I felt when I learned about that, but I decided not to respond to these ridiculous things. Recently, I have known that many pages have been created on Facebook to defend me and to emphasize that these photos are fabricated and that I’m not the woman dancing in the videos. Many activists have defended me and written that different opinions don’t give a right to defame others.

Egyptian media was frequently accused of lacking credibility before and after the revolution. Do you agree?

Yes! The media was a mere mouthpiece of the former regime, which only talked about achievements of the ousted president and the advantages of the ruling party. It was quite far from the Egyptian’s societal problems and issues. After the revolution, however, many expected that that policy would change, but this did not happen. It is not a fault of the current government, but I believe that change will happen gradually rather than suddenly. This is what the current Minister of Information seeks to do; he tries to put forward all views through political programs and does not prevent any politician from speaking on TV, to the contrary of the former regime, which banned many figures from entering radio and television premises.

What do you think of the policy of Maria channel, which only presents anchors wearing niqab?

I refuse that because media depends on interaction, facial expressions, acceptance and performance, and these elements are not available in this channel. However, I cannot impose my view, and everyone is free in their actions. The success of the channel certainly depends on how well the public accepts it.

Some have recently demanded that women stay home. What do you think?

Everyone is entitled to express their opinions, but I certainly do not agree with such views because they restrict the freedom of women who, in my opinion, play a very important role in society and in all work areas. Their innovation capacity is greater than some men’s.

What is your dream now?

I hope to present a political program different from the current unrealistic programs of satellite channels. Through my programs, I will be keen to show varying opinions objectively and impartially.