High profile paternity suits are an everyday occurrence in this country, but in Egypt they are unheard of - until now.
Hind el-Hinnawy, a costume designer on one of Egypt's top TV soaps has claimed that a well known television presenter is the father of her daughter Leena following a secret marriage ceremony recognised in Islamic law. The story caused a sensation in Egypt where few women dare admit to sex before marriage. And even though the man in question has admitted he could be the father, Hind el-Hinnawy is fighting for a surname for her daughter as without a wedding certificate her daughter cannot have a passport or official ID.
The story has caused a sensation in Egypt, where few women dare admit to sex before marriage. Does the case mark a step forward for the rights of women?
Martha is joined by Dr Hoda Badran,Head of the Alliance for Arab Women in Cairo and Nadja Al Ali from the Institute for Middle East Studies at Exeter University. |
