Woman Makes History in Egypt Wearing Veil on TV

An Egyptian woman made history by wearing an Islamic headscarf on national television this week.

It is believed that Fatima Nabil was the first woman to wear the veil since television arrived in Egypt over 50 years ago. Additionally, she was the country's first female news presenter to appear on television.

Nabil wore a cream-colored headscarf as she read a news bulletin on Sunday.

"Now the standards have nothing to do with the veil, which is a personal choice, but are all about professional skills and intellect," said Nabil on her nationwide television appearance, according to Inquisitr.com.

The news presenter will not be the first to appear in the traditional garb; several other female newscasters are scheduled to go on air in the coming weeks, including those who cover their hair.

"At last the revolution has reached state television," Nabil was quoted by ShowBizSpy.com.

The history-making changes would not have been possible just one year ago. There was an official ban on female presenters who covered their hair under the regime of ex-President Hosni Mubarak, but under the new Muslim Brotherhood-led government, new rules have been presented.

Privately owned television networks had agreed to ban veiled presenters as the Mubarak regime aimed to promote "modernity" in the nation. Many people sought lawsuits against the ban, and some even won, but the rulings were ignored until Mubarak's overthrow last year.

According to new government policy, the nearly 70 percent of Egyptian women who wear the headscarves will be permitted to don the clothing on television.

Moreover, since ousting Mubarak, the election of Islamist Mohammad Morsi as president has given Egypt's ruling elite an improved image. Morsi has an Islamic beard, while his wife, the country's new First Lady Naglaa Mahmoud, covers her hair as well as the upper half of her body with a scarf.