Cairo – Maii Abdo:
In Upper Egypt, where long-standing traditions intertwine with daily life, women continue to quietly challenge societal expectations and assert their presence beyond conventional roles.
Among them is Siham Sohary, an expert in archaeological restoration with a master’s degree in the field, now pursuing a PhD—a journey that demands patience, precision, and intensive fieldwork.Siham’s choice of specialization was deliberate, fueled by genuine passion.
Aware of its difficulty, she embraced a path that would place her in demanding environments—mountains, tombs, and remote archaeological sites. Yet, for her, every artifact restored is a story resurrected. She describes the pride she feels seeing her work displayed in the halls of the Grand Egyptian Museum, as if contributing to rewriting a part of her country’s history.
Her family initially hesitated, worried about the risks—climbing scaffolds twenty meters high, entering ancient tombs, and frequent travel. Yet Siham’s determination turned their fear into support, making them her strongest allies in facing societal pressures.The challenges go beyond the physical demands of the job; they extend to entrenched gender perceptions.
Many still believe a woman’s place is at home, and strenuous fields like artifact restoration are often met with remarks such as, “This is men’s work” or “Why endure such hardship?”
These comments, though casual, carry implicit doubt, compelling women to work harder to prove their capabilities.Fieldwork is grueling: climbing mountains, enduring scorching sun and harsh weather, facing physical risks, and sometimes operating in remote sites with limited resources.
Combined with family responsibilities, the pressure multiplies. Women in this field juggle multiple roles simultaneously—wife, mother, researcher, and conservator—balancing academic pursuits, fieldwork, and household duties, often feeling the weight of constant responsibility and occasional guilt.
Siham emphasizes that the greatest strain is not just physical, but psychological—the pressure to assert herself in a male-dominated environment, fear of underperforming in any role, and lack of consistent institutional support. Flexible policies or supportive services could ease the burden, but their absence makes balancing ambition and societal expectations a daily challenge.Yet, Siham affirms that persistence is fueled by passion.
Being a role model as an Upper Egyptian woman in a demanding field is about breaking stereotypes and inspiring young women to pursue unconventional careers. Her message is clear: do not let fear or societal opinions limit your path—genuine passion transforms challenges into stepping stones.
Ultimately, Siham believes that women in Upper Egypt carve through stone not only in mountains and archaeological sites but also in confronting societal expectations, reshaping them through patience and achievement.
When ambitions outweigh constraints, determination leaves its mark—just as a restorer’s hand leaves life on a once-lifeless stone.
