Dr. Mona Zulfiqar is an Egyptian lawyer and staunch advocate for human rights and women's empowerment and has made an indelible impact both locally and internationally. As Vice-President of the constitutional committee of 50 responsible for amending the Constitution in 2013, she played a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape of Egypt.
Dr. Zulfiqar's illustrious career includes co-founding and chairing the Executive Committee of Zulficar and Partners Law Firm, a testament to her expertise and leadership in the legal profession. Her remarkable achievements have garnered recognition from prestigious institutions, such as the University of Zürich, which awarded her an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of her excellence in international law, human rights, and women's issues.
Renowned for her influence and prowess, Dr. Zulfiqar has been consistently acknowledged by Forbes magazine, featuring as one of the 100 most powerful businesswomen in the Arab region in 2012 and 2017. Her commitment to legal reform and legislation is exemplified by her active participation in drafting new laws and developing existing ones, particularly in the realm of economic legislation.
Dr. Zulfiqar's impact extends beyond legal circles. She has served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Egypt and the Egyptian-American Business Council, bridging connections and fostering economic growth. Recognized globally, she was chosen by Time magazine in December 1994 as one of the 100 young leaders of the twentieth century worldwide.
Her relentless pursuit of justice and women's rights has earned her prestigious accolades, including the CEWLA Award for her instrumental role in issuing the Khul' Divorce law in 2003 and the United Nations SDG Action Award on International Women's Day in 1995. Furthermore, the French government bestowed upon her the Legion d'Honneur Medal of Honor in acknowledgment of her exceptional contributions in human rights and strengthening official relations between Egypt and France.
A dedicated advocate, Dr. Zulfiqar served as a member of the National Council for Women from 2000 to 2006, championing gender equality and women's rights at the national level. Her influence reverberates on the global stage as a member and Vice-President of the United Nations Human Rights Council and as a member of the World Bank's Advisory Board for the Middle East and North Africa. Dr. Mona Zulfiqar's unwavering dedication and trailblazing efforts have solidified her position as one of the 100 most influential women in the Middle East, as recognized by Forbes American business magazine in 2020 and 2021.