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Sisa Abu Daooh64-year-old Egyptian woman pretended to be a man for 43 years
Date of Birth: 01.01.1951
Country:  Egypt |
Content:
- Sisa Abu Daooh: An Egyptian Woman Disguised as a Man for 43 Years
- Cultural Constraints and the Decision to Disguise
- A Life of Labor
- Marriage and Continued Disguise
- Physical Disguise and Protection
- Recognition and Gratitude
- Present Days
Sisa Abu Daooh: An Egyptian Woman Disguised as a Man for 43 Years
Early Life and WidowhoodSisa Abu Daooh, a 64-year-old Egyptian woman, lived a remarkable life as a disguised man for 43 years. After her husband's passing, she was left widowed and without a source of income.
Cultural Constraints and the Decision to Disguise
Egyptian culture places limitations on women in the workplace. Faced with poverty and the need to provide for her daughter and grandchildren, Daooh felt compelled to take on a male persona. She abandoned her domestic role and began dressing like a man.
A Life of Labor
Daooh engaged in various male occupations to earn a living. She worked in brick-making, shoe-polishing, and other blue-collar jobs, alongside male counterparts. Her hard work allowed her to support her family and escape poverty.
Marriage and Continued Disguise
Her daughter eventually married, but her husband's illness left him unable to work. Daooh continued her male disguise and remained the family's primary breadwinner.
Physical Disguise and Protection
To maintain her disguise, Daooh wore traditional Egyptian attire, including a long flowing robe (jilbab) and a white turban. She also wore a male hat (arakchyn) and black shoes. Her attire not only concealed her gender but also protected her from unwanted attention and harassment.
Recognition and Gratitude
Daooh's perseverance and hard work earned her recognition from the Luxor City Council, which awarded her the title of "Ideal Mother." She expressed gratitude for the support she had received and hoped for a better situation for women in Egypt.
Present Days
Despite her age, Daooh continues to work as a shoe-polisher, earning a modest income. Her daughter provides assistance, bringing her work equipment. Daooh remains a testament to human resilience and the power of women to overcome adversity.
