Zeenews Bureau
Cairo: For the first time in the history of Egypt, Fatma Nabil on Sunday became the first veiled TV anchorwoman after the country’s information ministry overturned the ban.
According to a news agency, Nabil reportedly read the news-bulletin on Egypt's state television, on Channel 1 mid-day broadcast, wearing a black suit and a cream-coloured scarf. The channel opened in 1960.
Until now, hijab-wearing women were only allowed to work for Radio and Television as long as it was off-camera.
Egypt’s Islamist Information Minister Salah Abdel Maqsud told a private satellite channel, “I could see no reason why a woman in hijab could not present the national news.”
The Muslim Brotherhood-led government has introduced new rules, saying that nearly 70% of Egyptian women will wear the headscarves.
While talking to a daily newspaper, Freedom and Justice, Fatma Nabil said, "Finally the revolution has reached the Egyptian media”.
In what can be said as a significant step, Nanil is expected to be followed by other news and weather presenters similarly dressed.
The revolutionary change came after Muslim Brotherhood’s Mohamed Morsi mounted to power as the President of Egypt, after the elections two months ago, and succeeded toppled president Hosni Mubarak last year.
First Published: Sunday, September 02, 2012, 21:12