In the history books, there are a few names that resonate far beyond their time. Ibtisamat Mohamed Abdullah is undeniably one of them. The recent passing of Ibtisamat, the first female officer in the Egyptian Army, marks a profound moment of remembrance. Her life was a testament to courage, and women empowerment.
In 2016, the National Council for Women (NCW) bestowed a distinguished honor upon Ibtisamat. They celebrate her remarkable contributions during the 1948 Palestine War and her dedicated service in the Egyptian Army. She was presented with the council’s prestigious shield and a certificate of appreciation, a testament to her enduring legacy.
Her Heritage:
Ibtisamat was born in 1927 in Beni Suef. She emerged from a uniquely rich heritage. Her father, Mohamed Abdullah, was a Bakbashi officer and an inspector of guards in Assiut Governorate. Her mother, Fatma Fadl, was of Sudanese descent, the daughter of Sultan Fadl Nour of South Sudan’s Wau region.
The Beginnings of Her Career:
Though she pursued her early education in French elementary schools, Abdullah’s formal higher education remained incomplete. Nevertheless, her passion for volunteer work never wavered. At 20, she was inspired by an advertisement in Al-Musawwar Magazine that sought 75 female volunteers for medical services in the armed forces amid the Palestine conflict.
Determined, Abdullah enrolled in the Red Crescent’s nursing program and, upon completing her training, joined the Egyptian Armed Forces. After a rigorous selection process at Kobri El-Kobba Military Hospital, she was among the 20 chosen from 75 applicants and was commissioned with the rank of lieutenant.
Her Achievements:
Her placement at the top of the alphabetical list made her the first woman to achieve this rank in the Egyptian Army. Further cementing her groundbreaking status, she became the first woman to receive the Medal of Merit from King Farouk I. The King also honored her with a gold watch, a token of his appreciation for her valorous service in treating wounded soldiers in a field hospital set up in Gaza City—a memento she wore proudly until her passing.
The passing of Ibtisamat Mohamed Abdullah is not just a moment of sorrow but also a time to celebrate her extraordinary life and achievements. Her legacy will continue to inspire young women and men alike, not just in Egypt but across the world, to aspire to greatness and to believe in the power of breaking barriers. As we remember Ibtisamat Mohamed Abdullah, let us honor her by continuing the work she began. In her passing, we are reminded of the profound impact one individual can have on society.