Rawya Ateya took her seat in the National Assembly -The Asian Age

Rawya Ateya  was an Egyptian woman who became the first female parliamentarian in the Arab world in 1957. Rawya Ateya was born in Giza Governorate on 19 April 1926. Her father was the secretary-general of the liberal Wafd Party in Gharbia, and his political activities led to his incarceration.In 1956, Ateya became the first woman to be commissioned as an officer in the Liberation Army.

She played an active role in the Suez War, during which Egypt was invaded by the United Kingdom, France and Israel. She helped train 4,000 women in first aid and nursingamid the war. Ateya held the rank of captain in a women's commando unit.

She obtained several military awards from the Egyptian state, notably the badge of the Third Army, the Medallion of 6 October and the medal of the armed forces. Ateya took her seat in the National Assembly on 14 July 1957.