Nawal El Saadawi on feminism, fiction and the illusion of democracy

Revolutionary Egyptian feminist Nawal El Saadawi talks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy about the injustice of the patriarchy, what inspires her to write and why she thinks democracy doesn't exist.
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[@muradal-ahmad4048]

What a woman! When I start thinking about the hopelessness of the Arab world, I look up fighters such as Dr. Nawal just to remember that some of us today still actually THINK before they act!

[@ontheway5792]

ليه؟!

[@saadtazili8953]

@Jamil Ebdeen Nawal saadaoui is an infidel.

[@monamakram3747]

She was a light in darkness and she was so brave woman more than any man They put her in jail but she never change her mind and she kept telling the truth .

[@saadtazili8953]

@@monamakram3747 There are people who spent more time in jail than her because they defended Islam against totalitarian regimes like Abd Alnasser ,Sadat,Mubarak and Sisi today .She is just a coward infidel who did have the courage to insult God ,but did not have the courage to insult Sisi .

[@Linasmr7]

exactly how I felt after watching this video, such an inspiration.

[@aishasato465]

"I am optimistic. I dont believe in pessimism at all because hope is power" Such powerful words

[@Linasmr7]

I agree that was my favorite part! so inspirational

[@ilyas_elouchihi]

Words that can be said by a 5yo, so basic

[@aishasato465]

@@ilyas_elouchihi in this context, no, it was not "basic".

[@ilyas_elouchihi]

@@aishasato465 no it was, it's such generic and cliché smh

[@jaserbantan]

@@ilyas_elouchihi do u know any better arab feminists?

[@lavendera779]

This woman changed my life. Her books taught me to speak up for what I believe in. She is a free thinker and strong. I love her.

[@salwahigazi]

Same here. I never met a lady like her🤗🤗💖

[@emmanueladams3120]

As a medical student and activist, she is my greatest "professional" inspiration.

[@blacky93able]

There is nothing better than a freethinker

[@AlAdhm767]

كسم الضحك

[@ontheway5792]

LOOOL!! Changed your life??!!!

[@SaraFruhling]

She's much more eloquent in Arabic. I suppose her translated books could bridge the language gap. She's beyond brilliant.

[@chahinebinsaleh6954]

I think her English is rather great.

[@JillSaville]

She is eloquent in English. Powerful speaker

[@sibengerard1856]

wow....if in English, she could be this brilliant then I can imagine her in Arabic.

[@Katsuki1031]

Her Arabic is trash! Haven’t heard her speak fusha once in any of her talks! Her English is trash also

[@nourzakiofficial]

Unfortunately she died a couple of months ago in her root country egypt may peace surround her soul

[@Deedee-ee1sg]

R.I.P NAWAL EL SADAAWI. Such an iconic and inspirational feminist. A truly brave and incredible woman.

[@Linasmr7]

agreed

[@hanskazem6294]

This woman is respectable. This woman is a human role model. This woman is a symbol of freedom. All his words are made of gold. I hope that Iranian women will hear his message and wake up.

[@dasikakn]

I read her book at my girlfriends place in college decades ago. Recently my tween daughter and I read her book “memoirs from women’s prison” together as a summer project last year. The discussions during and subsequent have been invaluable. As an aspiring physician,my girl was especially upset over how she was treated for basic healthcare advocacy. Little did we think we’d be in her exact situation right now post-Roe. Ms.Saadawis words sting me with the truth they contain about my beloved USA. I fear modern western women have fallen asleep looking in the mirror, fixing their cosmetics instead of guarding and expanding their freedoms.

[@juancarlosvasquezgarcia6134]

May she rest in peace. She deserved the Nobel Prize for literature. She inspired millions. I will always love her. I love this interview and how honest she is in here and was in real life.

[@Amy20111000]

Yes, she is deserved the Noble Prize million times because she worked for all humanity and she was so true in unlimited thoughts. She opened my eyes since I was 16 years. Today, I gave her the credit for everything she said.

[@Rasha.Ishtar]

She was truly a legend that the world lost , RIP Nawal

[@ilyas_elouchihi]

May she rest in no peace

[@whateverbabe]

@@ilyas_elouchihi poor thing 😂 She's with her creator *who is fair and not sexist or misogynistic* like most of you are to us in the Arab and Muslim world. Bye now.

[@Hossamblock]

She died yesterday but her works will stay and no one can close her mouth again . I am Egyptian and proud of her

[@jamalabdinasir3697]

But she will go in the hall if allah say she was polytheist

[@Hossamblock]

@@jamalabdinasir3697 I have not heard her say that, and what is known is that she fought for freedom, equality, justice and honesty, which are principles that do not differ with any religion or belief.

[@jamalabdinasir3697]

@@Hossamblock at that side is good what she was believed wasn't good so we don't respect her

[@Linasmr7]

She was compassionate and brave.

[@Rasha.Ishtar]

All the world is proud of her

[@tomlockgriffiths4840]

Fantastic woman. And she's right you can't liberate the human without ending class oppression. She's a legend.

[@saadtazili8953]

She is an infidel

[@anonymous_4396]

Nahh she is a devil

[@Linasmr7]

She only makes controlling men angry haha

[@takiyaazrin7562]

@@anonymous_4396 We captured some of the women as captives, and the long separation from our wives was pressing us hard and we wanted to release sperms outside of the women. We asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) (whether it was permissible). He said, "It is better for you to release sperms inside. No soul, (that which Allah has) destined to exist, up to the Day of Resurrection, but will definitely come, into existence." Sahih al-Bukhari 2542

[@trepidlama2037]

​@@saadtazili8953 so?

[@oldishandwoke-ish1181]

She was wonderful. I loved her description of understanding the injustice of traditional culture even as a child of 6 when the teacher (of all people) insisted she cross out her mother's name and put her father's and grandfather's names there. I remember being turned off religion when I learned that angels are supposedly men..... it's something that never leaves you. I wholeheartedly recommend Dr Saadawi's writings, she has been an important part of my education.

[@jay_m4160]

Oh my goodness, I love this woman. She is so articulate, intelligent and radical. When she spoke about religion and Islam and the psychological effects of women it really resonated with me.

[@omar-ms3ip]

With regard to religion do you totally agree?

[@jay_m4160]

عمر عاصم I agree with it, I do think that when you are raised as a Muslim woman there is a level of fear that is instilled in you that is oppressing and does cause psychological issues

[@jay_m4160]

Sorry I don’t know why it put your name in the middle of the sentence :/

[@omar-ms3ip]

But she says that women are oppressed in all religions and we live in one world ruled by one patriarchal system

[@jay_m4160]

عمر عاصم I agree with that, but I believe that Muslim women are the most oppressed and we do live under a patriarchal society and Islam is the definition of a patriarchal religion

[@imanemisou8188]

What a brave and intelligent woman ! we learn so much by listening to her

[@mimiela2261]

You changed my life dr Nawal

[@lucastoner1929]

This woman's awesome, how come I've never heard of her?

[@Uniflux]

She's the office cleaner at Channel 4 news.

[@jay_m4160]

She is a writer! She has a book called Woman at Point Zero, a very good interesting feminist book!

[@Thesmashleyshow]

because all the greats always go unnoticed until they are no longer with us.

[@hatamtamimi8799]

Her book "Hidden face of Eve" is very interesting.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

@@Uniflux yes you are.

[@julietyounan4914]

This woman never stopped learning and teaching in every way to reach as many people as she can .what inspiration

[@julietyounan4914]

You will never die you will be generations to come listening and learning .R.I.P you are a legend 🌹🌹🌹🌹❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@Linasmr7]

she was an angel

[@ilyas_elouchihi]

Teaching what? Lol

[@julietyounan4914]

@@ilyas_elouchihi teaching you how to use your brain plus if you don’t agree with her what you are doing here daaaaaa

[@whateverbabe]

@@ilyas_elouchihi a triggered Arab / Muslim male. Yeah we got you! You hate this woman. But you will never stop others from seeing her greatness, and they won't stop praising her. Books and words are the most powerful weapons.

[@mary-ks4pz]

She changed my life

[@nadamuhammad7709]

She changed our life

[@gerardobravogarcia9937]

More education less religions.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

Absolutely.

[@soukainaichebah9176]

Yeees

[@lucasgdrezes]

I wish we could sit down and have a coffee. I hope she gets the Nobel Prize next year. The world has to know her.

[@tempusestiocundum3549]

They will never allow that! After Obama git the Nobel for freedom, I finished to believe in the worth and in the sense of that price!

[@dolchd]

All respect and appreciation for this great, awesome, intelligent woman.

[@Linasmr7]

right! she's so genuine as well

[@Yara9apodcast]

This woman changed many of my concepts of life, it made me feel more myself, and it took me out of the cycle That this community has put me in, I love you so much, and my dream is to meet you and feel you, I wish you health and wellness ⁦❤️⁩

[@borednerd2100]

Not to be intrusive but from your pfp I assume that you're still veiled and therefore still a muslim, is that true? and if it's the case, do you believe that we, as Muslim women can share her ideology while remaining religious?

[@ninja2736]

@静かな you cant, this isnt how islam works.

[@whateverbabe]

@@ninja2736 if you mean sexist and misogynistic men yes! The system of religious but if you meant Allah (the creator who isn't sexist and misogynistic) then it's fine cause she fought for justice and equality. Against all those who used religion for their own favours thinking that God work for their lustful desires or unfair behaviours that oppress women!

[@ninja2736]

@@whateverbabe she tried to change quran ffs

[@takiyaazrin7562]

@@ninja2736 If you are in doubt, their ‘Iddah is three months for those women who have ceased menstruating and for children who have not yet menstruated. Quran 65:4

[@Prettyxradical]

She is so awesome!

[@darkenergy7220]

She is one of the bravest intellectuals in the entirety of the middle east.

[@gamingzr707]

According to who !

[@MaiSirry]

Rest in POWER, queen!

[@Linasmr7]

She was brave.

[@HeaMoonie]

What a great woman of revolutionaries... ❤

[@shavindadissanayake9345]

Saadawi is one of the feminist icons in today's literature. Her writings are insightful and full of fervor and energy.

[@abefanous9804]

The greatest women in the world ❤️

[@negarfy]

Wow! What a powerful woman! Respect!

[@mostafamahmoud-dr9rl]

I love her 💙💙❤

[@faridavita]

May Allah bless Nawal. Rest in power

[@Linasmr7]

@Peter Parker so what! let her pray for whoever she wants.

[@TheNakedWombat]

I was nodding all the way through as I listened to Nawal El Saadawi. Especially on democracy and the facard it is. We in Australia risk 20 years in maximum prison for effectively dissenting and blockading the coal/gas industry but a woman's rapist is unlikely to be sent to prison, let alone charged by the Police and should a woman's rapist be found guilty, they're unlikely to spend more than two years in prison, if that. Australia recently saw over one hundred thousand women and a number of male allies who protested against this system abusing women yet the government's response was a thinly veiled response, telling women protesting against male violence that they're lucky they weren't shot(spoken by the male Prime Minister). Following this a week later, the men of government continue to cover up their crimes against women as their dogs in the media character assassinate women who speak out. And now the Australian Government is looking at listing people at terrorists for being environmentalists, animal liberationists and political activists against the ruling party.

[@kittykatja5961]

What a strong intelligent woman with life long integrity.

[@amreen6789]

Wow... I got to know her from indian express article in india and i just want know more about her... She is a fire, i am really happy to get a chance to know about her

[@Live_life_with_no_regrets]

You can read her books some are available for free on pdfdrive

[@nh9647]

Read her books, it awesome

[@Yasmian]

I love this woman

[@OsamaKhan-si8hv]

Why do you love her??

[@leenkawas106]

Yes, integrity. I love how you don't believe in any philosopher who didn't practice justice in their own private life. I couldn't agree more.

[@ouaillsg6477]

Coming back and listening is just feels different now when she is no longer here Hope ur in the better place 🥺✨

[@faridavita]

Aameen✨🙏

[@ThePerisherOfThought]

I noticed that in all her interviews (Even those in Egyptian Arabic) she is always talking about her childhood, and I think that's because she have a child soul, she is so pure and genius, her Intelligence is because she has that child soul who don't get used to life (like most of us when we grow up) and keep asking and questioning. Rest in power, you're still alive in our hearts and minds and we will continue what you started 💕

[@khanahmed9609]

I like her so much, thanks so because we have NAWAL SAADAWI in our Arabic world. Je l'aime beaucoup , il m'as changé ma vision en vie . Merci beaucoup Madame Nawal.

[@dawnandy7777]

I've long admired Nawal El Saadawi. I'm not sure I know what her personal beliefs actually are though. I know that she is not an atheist, and not a Marxist. She's called herself a socialist a few times. But I'm not certain this is a firm definition of anything. I believe her to be a person that values the humanity of her fellow human beings. As she also acts upon her convictions at personal cost, she is to be considered among the greatest of humanity. Not a perfect human being, but pretty damn close.

[@ourvoiceisone5174]

RIP ❤️✨ your thoughts will never die ! And we'll finish what you started!

[@chemseddine01]

LOL

[@allawati5372]

@@chemseddine01 not funny

[@Linasmr7]

🌹RIP brave woman

[@littlemonstertv1635]

R.i.p a true beacon of freedom in every land and every tongue!

[@ماجد-و9ي]

As Arab man I agree with her , history will remember her struggle

[@timg7648]

you are Arab WMAN

[@saadtazili8953]

She is an infidel

[@bradchilders5546]

@@saadtazili8953 what is the significance of her deen or a lack thereof? If she is correct she is correct.

[@saadtazili8953]

@@bradchilders5546 How can a person who insults God and his teachings be correct ?!??

[@bradchilders5546]

@@saadtazili8953 because insultimg god doesnt make you a liar or incorrect by default, as if they are incapable of making a factual statement. If a person insults god and then says 'crows fly in the air' or 'sharks swim in water' or '2+2=4', the facts still stand. Truth doesnt care about a persons religious beliefs.

[@neon_nana]

“Not the Middle East. All over the world.”

[@juancarlosvasquezgarcia253]

She's soooo brilliant. I love her so much. So inspiring 🤩

[@lazarolopez3022]

I loved and read read books for a long time. Wonderful wonderful woman

[@saif-mt8eq]

I love this woman we need more free arab women like her, she really makes me proud of being arab.🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@lloydchristmas4547]

She's a hero.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

@six bullet is bad at destiny Says the 1000 years behind religious nut.

[@lloydchristmas4547]

@Moussa Yasen Unfortunately, you're a victim of indoctrination that's morally1000 years behind.

[@brianramirez8255]

why does identity have to be something of pride?

[@salwahigazi]

I love her sooo much 🤗 thanks!! It's so nice to meet someone who feels the same ❤️👌❤️🤗👏👏👏

[@rodeolo1]

The Bravest woman in Egypt & the Middle East; served women cause in Egypt for decades..rest in peace Madam

[@junethomson9719]

A powerful strong Woman someone to emulate.

[@Angel-hq2bm]

i knowed her from my father .. he shared with me her books and that was changed my thinking a lot.. thank you Dr Alsaadawi and Rest In Peace 🙏🏼🥀

[@whateverbabe]

Really? Your father must be very nice May God bless him.

[@akwaabab8504]

I must know more about this sister!

[@leannefalter]

She is awesome. The comments here reflect why we need exposure to all women's voices. Racism, sexism, etc is quite evident among the comments. So dumb, missed the main point about the real points within the interview.

[@blazedandconfused477]

Yea, because the KZbin comment section accurately represents society.

[@SnowyAshtree]

You must be pretty blazed and confused to think none of these comments are expressions of peoples feelings and values. "It's a comment, it's not real!" Except it is, it's expression.

[@blazedandconfused477]

- haha you're very witty and creative. Question: you are aware that these comments are posted by anonymous people from all over the planet? And are you aware of the concept 'trolling'?

[@SnowyAshtree]

Yeah, because in real life "it's just a prank bro" excuses everything, so online "I'm just trolling" also excuses everything, right? That was sarcasm. I am aware that people can think and say things that are different from each other but to claim that none of these people represent reality in anyway at all because it's a comments section? That's disingenuous. You could argue that since their real identity is rarely tied to these online accounts they more truly represent the views of people than their in person conversations would. Less risk of negative consequences for your true views in a comments section and you can always just go "it was a joke, broooo".

[@blazedandconfused477]

No, because in real life you have no anonimity. That's kinda the point. No, it's disingenuous to say you know the motives and people behind these comments. Where is your proof? All you have shown so far is crackpot theories and racist generalizations. You could argue that, but without any proof you will just end up sounding silly. Literally nobody said that. You are not as smart as you think you are.

[@nacim0498]

This is a priceless interview

[@sirasy]

what a GREAT WOMAN! Every sentence is full of WISDOME, TRUTH and high sense of JUSTICE!

[@Linasmr7]

I know right! I felt so inspired after watching this

[@chaymaealami3793]

- why aren't you a Marxist - Because i read it She's an icon 😂😂😂

[@jalalsabbagh6365]

أصبحت كل نبوءات الدكتورة نوال السعداوي صحيحة ، حول الحجاب ، وحقوق المرأة المدنية ، ومساواة المرأة مع الرجل ، وبشأن حقوق الإنسان وحرية الدين وحرية الصحافة واستبداد الزعماء الدينيين. لم تمت الدكتورة نوال ، فهي حية في كتبها وظهورها في كل برنامج تلفزيوني ظهرت فيه. ستعيش آرائها إلى الأبد, the late Dr, Nawal Alsaaddwi all her prophacies are becoming true about Hijab , women's civil rights, women's equality , the tyranny of the religious leaders. Her opinios will live for ever.

[@jimjumaa2277]

This woman helped me to free my mind from religion control, her books changed my life I'm from Saudi Arabia.

[@Linasmr7]

🌷

[@WildXstElementZ]

Fantastic

[@christianracle4796]

She is a revelation. So pleased that I´m going to a group reading about her work in an independent Book shop in Barcelona tonight!!

[@chahinebinsaleh6954]

What an experience! What's the bookshop called?

[@christianracle4796]

@@chahinebinsaleh6954 it's called "On the road" in Barrio Gotico. Great place.

[@whateverbabe]

I think I saw that video! How did it go? Its been 2 years since your comment lol

[@mgkatyj]

Rest in peace 🙏

[@Linasmr7]

🌷

[@chahinebinsaleh6954]

Rest in peace and power, Dr. Nawal.

[@mimiela2261]

What a genius intellectual powerful woman I'm so proud of her 💜

[@blacky93able]

She's a true feminist.

[@Linasmr7]

she's great

[@yohodi]

"No government will come and lock you up" says Krishnan Guru-Murthy towards the end of the interview...A must watch ......

[@abdelrahmanmo2575]

Rest in Power 🌹

[@ironmonkey5773]

A true inspiration .

[@aminm7714]

I never thought she spoke English this well .

[@titussamuel2440]

A free mind, unusual for her time. Sophisticate because she is not seeking revenge but change.

[@MM-qg5xh]

"The more you study religion you become non religious " 💯

[@allah5307]

This strong woman hit Islam in the heart and helped Muslims to open their eyes. RIP Nawal

[@fatema_ttoo9759]

Not just Islam

[@invincible125]

Oh my God, what a woman! May she RIP

[@AlAdhm767]

😂😂😂

[@Linasmr7]

🌷

[@karimheneidy522]

Maybe yes maybe no 😂😂😂

[@torsem9442]

What a fantastic woman.

[@Linasmr7]

one of a kind

[@kinggeorge7533]

Bravo Dr. Nawal AlSaadawi, The Philosopher of Intellectual Rebellion & Creativity

[@annagy2013]

Women like her will always inspire us

[@Linasmr7]

her bravery alone is an inspiration

[@singmein4468]

I love her brilliant Warrior for woman's right especially in Middle East it's really hard to speak up

[@JeliOnYT]

I love and respect this woman so much.

[@ranasunaij3912]

I have big respect for this amazing woman who lived all her life true to her self and others. May she Rest In Peace 🙏🏻

[@sabrinaharkat1397]

I love her❤❤❤

[@SuperstarSridhar]

Love this lady. Such clear thinking.

[@annamccormack9120]

So sad to hear Nawal died yesterday xx

[@bonnierobinson8684]

So happy to have found her even though it is three days after her death.

[@Linasmr7]

right :( may she rest in peace 🌹

[@jalalsabbagh6365]

DR.Nawal Al Saadawi . is the most out spoken n lady for women's civil rights and women's equality , she fought for freedom of religion and freedom of the press and she was against the tyranny of religious leaders.

[@ariwidjaja8034]

great woman. RIP.

[@oldishandwoke-ish1181]

Her work is powerful indeed.

[@carlosmiller2881]

God bless her soul 🙏

[@Linasmr7]

🌹

[@hibakaci3218]

This woman is a treasure.

[@superspeedm]

Nothing important about her

[@pianomusic5283]

RIP Nawal

[@Amna-1111]

Dr Nawal alsaadawi is a great example for a strong, powerful , educated woman! So proud of her!

[@Linasmr7]

one of a kind

[@OsamaKhan-si8hv]

I don't agree with you.

[@whateverbabe]

Great interview, may she rest in peace.

[@helenbrennan7676]

I’ve never heard such brilliant intelligence in my life. This woman is amazing 😉

[@mirabe6467]

She's so smart and brave 👏

[@noormemo9153]

Although I don’t agree with Dr Nawal’s arguments on religion, I am a fan of her thinking and philosophy of life

[@monamakram3747]

God bless her soul

[@monamakram3747]

What what?

[@khawlamezghiche7176]

She should be on Oprah's show, super soul

[@christopheroshea9799]

Don't inflict the trashy oprah on this tower of intellect ,

[@Linasmr7]

she was amazing

[@nabilaeltigi9399]

may she rest in peace beautiful woman

[@revivalist355]

الله اكبر الله اكبر الله اكبر لا اله الا الله ولاحول ولاقوة الابالله. رضية بالله ربا وبالإسلام د ى نا وب محمد صلي الله عليه وسلم نبي ورسولا.

[@husseinahmed1182]

تكتب صلي الله عليه وسلم وليس صلله

[@revivalist355]

@@husseinahmed1182 شكرا اخي

[@gottsiedanka2119]

you're very great woman

[@sammyyes8143]

You are a great woman, I am proud of you

[@emmalouisejay387]

Super interview with a very wise lady.

[@Linasmr7]

she's inspiration

[@emmalouisejay387]

@@Linasmr7 yes!

[@palomawoma]

Nawal is an asset to humanity

[@abdirahmanharir4937]

I think the journalist who is interviewing nasal doesn't know Arabic because, when she said مؤامرة .( muamarah ) that means (.conspiracy) he didn't translates it In to English.

[@theliberalthinker3308]

"nakedness and veiling [of women] are two faces of the same coin" of the capitalist market. Very insightful.