Sisi ratifies law protects women’s rights in inheritance

CAIRO – 3 January 2018: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi approved on January 1 the amendments to Inheritance Law 77/1943, imposing strict sanctions on those who disinherit members of a family, particularly women, from receiving their rightful shares.

On December 5, the Egyptian Parliament finally approved the amendments submitted by the government to Inheritance Law 77/1943. Under these amendments, punishment of at least three years in prison and a fine ranging between LE 20,000-100,000 (around $1,119-$5,595) shall be imposed on violators.

To those who withhold a document proving a person’s legal right to an inheritance or refrain from handing over this document, they shall be sentenced to six months in prison and will be fined at least LE 20,000. If the violation is repeated, the violator will be sentenced to at least one year in jail.

Egypt has set plans to protect the rights and freedoms of women; hence, under these amendments they would be able to preserve their inheritance. This law is fairly recent and is the first to protect women’s rights to their inheritances.

In addition, the 2030 strategy for Egyptian women was launched to empower women socially, economically and politically. As part of efforts, the Parliament approved a draft bill imposing tougher penalties on sexual harassment.

National Council of Women (NCW) made a clear plan to raise the awareness of women in local councils, encouraging them to run for local council elections. Additionally, NCW presented this year a law pertaining to child marriage. There are about 118,000 girls that get married below the age of 18, specifically from 13 to 17 years old.