Harem Years: The Memoirs of an Egyptian Feminist, 1879-1924

In this rare first-hand account of the private world of a Cairo harem during the years before Egypt declared independence in 1922, Shaarawi recalls her childhood and early adult life, including her marriage at age thirteen. Shaarawi's feminist activism grew along with her involvement in Egypt's nationalist struggle and culminated in 1923 when she publicly removed her veil in a Cairo railroad station, a daring act of defiance.