About Me
Ethar El-Katatney is an international-award-winning multimedia journalist and published author. She is currently executive producer at AJ+ in San Francisco, a global online news community that experiments with storytelling and social media strategies for an American millennial audience.
El-Katatney is the first Arab and Egyptian to win a CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Award. She has also received the Samir Kassir Freedom of the Press Award and the Anna Lindh Mediterranean Journalist Award, in addition to a journalism award by the International Center for Journalists.
El-Katatney has been chosen as a Muslim Leader of Tomorrow by the Cordoba Initiative in New York, and as a New Generational Leader in Africa by the African Leadership Network.
She has traveled and reported from over 40 countries, spanning the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe. She’s written stories from China and Denmark to Russia and Ghana, interviewed ministers and sat on a panel with the president of Catalonia, reported from a slum in Sudan and a mosque in Russia and talked at dozens of panels and conferences worldwide. She is currently ranked as the #282 most influential twitter account across the entire MENA region.
She’s participated in everything from being a contestant on a reality television show to being an ambassador for the UN’s 10×10 International Day of the Girl. While in Yemen, she published a book on her time in a Sufi school in Yemen. She’s talked politics with Charlie Rose and Chris Hayes, and discussed the Arab spring with house squatters in Latvia.
Born in Saudi Arabia, and raised in Egypt, El-Katatney has an BA, an MBA, and an MA in in Television and Digital Journalism from the American University in Cairo. She is fluent in Arabic and English.
She began her career as a student reporter in 2005, and in the decade since, has worked as a reporter, staff writer, columnist, researcher, blogger and producer. She’s worked at Egypt Today, the leading current affairs magazine in the Middle East, and at its sister magazine, Business Today Egypt. She was a researcher-reporter for the quarterly journal The Cairo Review of Global Affairs, and a contributor at Muslimah Media Watch.
She can be contacted at ethar.kamal@aucegypt.edu
Ethar El-Katatney 
u r really different girl that deserve respect and love …….my wish to u is to travel more and more to learn and to show the world what could the civilized Muslim woman do ….and i wish to know u personally and be like u in my field…..medical field …..it`s a pleasure to know u personally
i am from kashmir j&k india i wish we xchang thoughts
Really,u r one of the finest models of a respectable,successful and ambitious muslim woman
GOD bless u >>>>>>>>>>u deserve more and more success
Just complete in ur way to acheive more successful goals
wishing 2 be as patient and challenger as u
with all my respect
ماشاااء الله ربنا يثبتك ويزيدك وعقبالى وكل بنات الاسلام يارب نكون ايجابيين
You are such an inspiration for muslim women all over the world. may god help you. i wish you all the best.
Gustave from london.
Graet models of muslims girls .. Keep it Up.
with all my respect u’re best woman in you’r generation
نموذج رائع يحتزى به اختى العزيزة ايثار لكى منى كل التحية والاحترام
انت مثل اعلا لكل شباب بلدك وامتك العربية
انتى مثل اعلا لى شخصيا
السلام عليكم
جعل الله لك هذا المجهود في ميزان حسناتك إن شاء الله
ووفقك دائما إلى الخير
زهرة الحاج عيسى
Didn’t know you are that much young….
Keep it up!
🙂
Ahmed AbdelHamid
ur a great woman , go ahead 😉
I just read one of your past articles and it was great! Good work!
This is the article for your reference: http://www.egypttoday.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=7718
As a White/Christian high school teacher in America, I’m trying hard everyday to reverse prejudices many here share against Muslims. It’s so strange how blind people can be and how they refuse to see how much both religions share in common. Also, I just wanted to say that I saw your interview on CNN with Spitzer regarding censorship in Egypt and the protests, and thought you were an excellent representative for your people. Keep working hard Ethar, people ARE listening. I truly wish you the best. Take care.
Vibrant lady, very intelligent and strong, we need more of you around.
Keep it up, good job
It is indeed a great day for those who have suffered under dictatorships the world over.
It is hard to uproot such men once they are securely anchored with their suppressive machinery. In their opulence they have little empathy or regard to freedoms sought by fellow countrymen they profess to lead.
I’m in awe that the world has been signing all these treaties, without ever checking to see if they had a constitution in Egypt, against what law of the land would they be ratified? I’m jubilant in the fact that he finally so the light, and left.
I hope that jasmine scent goes on to liberate other countries in the region and beyond. Those who live in democratic societies have a moral obligation to continue on this path of spreading democratic principles wherever they are needed, I honestly think it is the answer to many ills that our generation is confronted with.
I just wish that Muslim women would shed the yoke of slave hood imposed upon them by the men. The head scarfs or other such nonsense is not dictated in the Koran.
CLIFFORD SHAW
SUCH DISRESPECT & INDIGNIFIED PREDUJICES YOU DEAF, DUMB & BLIND WESTERN MALES HAVE !!!
FOR YOUR INSULTS TO THE HEADSCARF – SHED THE YOKE OF “SLAVERY” REMOVE THE HEADSCARF “NONSENSE” FROM EVERY STATUE THAT YOUR RELIGION “CLAIMS IS MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS” & REMOVE ALL THE HEADGEAR & HEADCOVERINGS FROM EVERY NUN & MOTHER THERESA !!!.
Ethar,
Keep up the good work. Very inspirational. Even to Westerners. Enjoy the party in the streets of Cairo.
JFR
Well done Ms. El-Katatney! I’ve been very inspired listening to you and others in Cairo.
We are in transcending times. Thank you for what you do.
Peace,
A
We are all extremely proud of you, Ethar ! You are doing a tremendous job…keep it going…I know after hearing you, no negative forces in this world can ever deter you…there is tons of hope when I see young people like you trying to stand up against repression & autocraty in your own way, on your own steam, to make the world a better place to live for everyone around you…people should imbibe some of your traits to carry your good work forward….God Bless !!!
Your bravery has paid off. You were speaking up for the general population of yor country long before this revolution took place.
Why don’t you make a suggestion to change the name of the city center to FREEDOM SQUARE. This is the location where most of the world saw the events unfold to bring freedom to all of you wonderful citizens of Egypt. Isn’t that wonderful?
A great exemple of a young muslim woman.
Good work… keep doing it!
شكرا
Miss Ethar: You are a good communicator, but you still reflect the image of slavery wearing that repressive khamir head scarf, while displaying a misplaced and excessive make-up. I am glad I live in Dominican Republic. Although we have a corrupt democracy, at least our women are free to wear anything, anytime and look feminine. I really feel sorry for Muslim men and women who have to wear clothes from the 10th. century and appear so scruffy with beards and malodorous robes. You want a act western but look like an Afghan peasant.
THIS IDIOT, CARLOS PAULINO, FOR ALL WE KNOW MUST BE SOME JEALOUS INFERIOR ASS, DISGUISING & HIDING BEHIND A SOUTH AMERICAN NAME
HE SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE COMMENTS ON YOUR SITE !!
Hi Carlos,
The message seems to have not reached you in the right light. You see many people in this world believe that when a woman wears a scarf, she is symbolised as oppressed and inferior, Can you not see why So many women, like Miss Ethar here , who have gained so much in their life thank their hijab as their biggest supporter. If it was a symbol of inferiority then many of us would have taken it off ages ago. If you were to look into the multiple reasons why a woman wears the scarf, you will realise that most of us wear it as a cover of our beauty, we are not obliged to be blend into the world of looking anorexic,fitting into size 2s or so on, the idea is to simply accept who you are as you are, furthermore when a female wears a scarf, the idea is for you to see her as who she is not as how she looks like. Can you not see how beautiful and powerful this idea is. Our women don’t have to worry about what the men in this world think of them, instead we focus on what pleases our lord instead.
Peace.
Sallam Ms al-Kataney
I am very very happy for and join the Egyptian people in your moments of joy. You and the millions of Egyptians have succeeded to achieve what no one would expect you to achieve within just 18 days. Keep up the good work, something all Egyptians have to do collectively a lot from now on. I join my fellow Malaysians, regardless of religious and ethnic backgound to wish you and all Egyptians the very best.
Sallam.
Keep up the terrific work! I feel so proud to see a hijabi out there representing all women!
To those of you who have bad remarks about the Muslim womens scarf,you clearly do NOT understand why we wear it. We feel liberated and proud to wear it, we feel sorry for women who feel they must display their bodies in order to gain attention. We are protected from filth who view women for their looks and not intelligence. We only show our beauty to those men who are lucky enough to marry us! And yes, those men prefer a protected/pure jewel over a dirty/used one.
Hello to the newly free Egyptian people from America! Regards e http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8zcs1z3ff4&feature=BF&playnext=1&list=QL&index=1
CC, If Am not mistaken Arab women have to share the same man in marriage. Or Am I mistaken that Arab men can marry as many women as they want but not viceversa? And why are muslim women stoned in Iran, Pakistan,
and Afghanistan for infidelity? Do you call that freedom? Don’t hide your slavery. Admit it. That’s more courageous than saying you love covering up to your head and down your toes in 50 degrees temperature. I just don’t buy it. Why did Egyptian women like Cleopatra seemed liberated and present day Egyptians look so backward? Ethar is only a free woman when she shows up on western networks, after that she’s just another Egyptian slave.
Carlos – fortunately you’re quite mistaken! My intention is not to tear you apart, but, as a Muslim woman, I feel obligated to clarify your misconceptions, if I may. Firstly, being “Arab” is an ethnicity, not a religion, so I’m assuming you’re talking about Muslim men/women, and not just Arabs. Muslim men are allowed to have up to 4 wives, and no more, and they are only allowed under certain conditions (ie. if they are financially capable, fair, etc.); otherwise it is prohibited. I will not comment on what Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan do, because for the most part, they claim to follow “Islamic law” but do not. If you would take it in to your own hands and study Islamic law, you might just see what these countries (and crazy individuals who do things in the name of Islam) are doing AGAINST Islam, but unfortunately, so many people choose to speak without knowledge. Every day, I see the freedom that my choice of covering has given me. I’m not a slave of men, like so many other women out there, and I wear what I feel comfortable in – not what they want to see me in :D. Islam teaches that no one is a slave of another, but rather, we are all slaves of God…
CARLOS,YOUR COMMENTS ON ” SLAVERY & i’m glad i live in Dominican Republic”
YOU ARE A SLAVE TO YOUR WESTERN MASTERS WHO “CONTROL YOUR LIVES BY CONTROLLING YOUR CONTRY’S FINANCES & ASSETS.” I HAD DEALINGS WITH BANK INSTRUMENTS ISSUED IN YOUR COUNTRY. YOUR “COUNTRY’S ASSETS” ARE NOT WORTH THE PAPER IT’S WRITTEN ON !!! Wa Wa Wa TO A “LIBERATED ECONOMIC SLAVE THAT STILL CARRY THE SLAVERY CHAINS WELDED IN YOUR BRAIN !!!!!!!!!!”
AS FOR YOUR INSULTS TO THE HEADSCARF – REMOVE THE HEADSCARF FROM EVERY STATUE THAT YOUR RELIGION “CLAIMS IS MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS” & REMOVE ALL THE HEADGEAR & HEADCOVERINGS FROM EVERY NUN !!!.
IF YOU HAD AN AOTA OF COURAGE EGYPTIAN WOMEN DISPLAYED IN THIS REVOLUTION, IT IS PROBABLY MINUS ZERO !!. “IF” YOU HAD GIVEN A GRAIN OF SERVICE TO YOUR OWN PEOPLE IN ANY FIELD WHATSOEVER, YOU WOULD NOT BE HURLING INSULTS TO EVERY HEADSCARF WEARING CHRISTIAN, MUSLIM OR JEW WHO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITIES, PEOPLE OR COUNTRY !!
YOU SUCH A MORON !!
THESE ARE MY COMMENTS TO THIS IGNORANT “Carlos Paulino”
WHO THE HELL CARES “WHAT YOU BUY OR DON’T BUY” WITH YOUR “CHA ON THE BRAINS” MENTALITY !
GO GET AN EDUCATION, GO GET A LIFE !!
WHAT AN IDIOT !
DOES ANYONE EVEN KNOW WHO YOU ARE OR WHAT YOU OPINIONS ARE AFTER ALL LIKE MALCOLM X & MUHAMMAD ALI SAID – “ANYTHING THAT IS NOT WHITE, IS INFERIOR” !!! GOD, WHAT A MORON !!
LEAVE OUR SISTERS ALONE, THEY WAY ABOVE YOUR LEAGUE YOU PEA BRAIN OF AN IDIOT !!!!!!!!!!!
ADAM
Nope, I have not shared my husband with anyone for the last 20 years,on the other hand many women who live in my country are sharing their husband, they just don’t know it unti alas he leaves them for the”other” woman. It’s clear you have never truly associated with any real Muslims. BTW Tell me again how women walking around around in a thong and having men make remarks is liberating?
Ethar–
I found your site after watching your insightful interviews on CNN. For 18 days I have followed your country’s revolution. Your journey to freedom has been truly inspiring. Today you have proved thousands of years of history wrong; the citizens of Egypt showed that revolution and change can happen without guns and violence. We hear and support you guys on your path to a government worthy of your people.
The future of the world looks brighter today. Enjoy the moment. Today is your day.
– 23 year old American
GOD BLESS YOU !
Saw you on CNN. You are beautiful and a joy to listen to. Peace and love from Fort Worth Texas. I wish the best for you and yours.
You are very impressive .. saw you on CNN .. Best of luck to you in every thing you do and bless you.
great interview on cnn last night!
I’m in love!
شفتك في السي ان ان بجد وهم فاتنة فاتنة بجد و لغتك روعة و خلبتي لب الامريكان و لبسك تحفة واجهة حضارية لمصر ربنا يحميكي
Hi ethar, i have a crazy question to ask you…If you get this could you email me at matieh28@yahoo.com. I saw you on CNN in NY…thanks
Hi, Ethar! I am glad to find your blog — I saw you on CNN and was so very impressed by your poise and insight. Thank you for touching the world in such a positive way, you are a role model for young ladies everywhere.
ASA, Ethar: Love you very much. Great job representing Egyptian women. A group of muslim families in the US would like to help Egyptian families. I hear there is a fund for the families of young people who have lost their lives during this revolution. Is there a list for the injured ones who perhaps are not able to go back to work now due to their injuries? We would like to reach out to these people and their families to help them until they can get back on their feet. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.
hi ı read your life ilive in istanbul ı am a bussinassmman
hello ethar u r really great i watched u on CNN and u seemed confident in away impressed me
Keep up the great work. I saw you on CNN. Fascinating work on behalf of the women of Egypt. I wish you and your country the best of success.
I read some comments but I stop at HCV programm and what your role in it I am a scientist and interest is on virology especially in HCV , so if you can help this role.
تتجوزيني ….؟؟؟؟؟ بصراحه انتي بنت زي العسل و شاطره و ايجابيه و مذهله الواحد نفسه ام اولاده تبقي زي كدا ……….مممممممم معليش انا مش عارف ايميل خاص او حاجه ابعت عليها و لكن فكري لو وافقتي قولي
أنا سعيد جدا بوجود بنات مثلك في مصر , و إن شاء الله أكون أسعد بالتواصل معك .. وتحياتي لك
ممكن ايميلك ورقمك ياايثار
لو ينفع ايميلك ورقمك
Hi dear
First the name atracted my eyes but the web-article about you took my breath one feels so proud when known, hearing or reading about muslim ladies like you. You inspired me 😉
We are so proud of you and whoever like and wish that all new generation well be as good as you are if not better 😉 keep up your good job and I hope to hear more good things about you and Muslim models
Wish you all the best
Ethar Oran
Finding you and your story gave me hope for the future of my own daughters. Being muslim, female , successful and open mided. Barakallahfik.
Asalam-o-Alaikum,
I just recently read one of your article about the hijab, and I must say I am impressed and thus have tracked you down to your website/blog :)!. I LOVE talking religion, and spreading the idea of Islam, It would be a great pleasure to assisst you in your work, please let me know how.
Take care and good luck.
Maryam
I have just read your very moving and informative article; “Same Old, Same Old” which was posted in Egypt Today, in November, 2009.
By way of introduction, I am a Director of an Architects Private Practice based in York, UK . We specialise in the design of living environments for Elderly People in the UK and are very keen to export this expertise to the Arab community. Unfortunately, the adoption of western style living environments do not serve well the elderly members of Arab families in the Region and this somehow jars with the traditional family culture of the region, in that the Elderly members of the family are looked after and cared for by their families. More worrying still – for Elderly people and their families in need – there is still a dire lack of adequate properly designed hospital facilities for Elderly medical care when required; adequate specialist living accommodation (or) where needed, long-term 24 hour care facilities. Your article sadly summed-up very well, my own experience and outcomes in researching the sector within the Gulf Regions over the last 2 years.
Whilst your article was written in late 2009, I naturally wondered if you have had the opportunity to undertake a follow-up of the situation since. I would welcome your current thoughts related to the current Middle-Eastern crisis, and how you feel this is likely to affect the Elderly in Egypt as perhaps ‘the’ most vulnerable part of the Arab population? I look forward with great interest to having the opportunity of corresponding with you regarding these issues.
With kindest regards, Mel Fairbourn-Varley, Director, DWA Architects, York, UK.
BROTHERS .. congratulations for the success of prayer …www.hizirac,l.tr.gg. İstanbul TURKEY
i just watch u intervew with charlie rose and this is the first time i see u and anstley i think u r great woman and speachially when he said glad to have u here and i would love to have u back and u said to him inshallah if god will (allah bless u)
Wisdom and understanding far beyond your years, Ethar. Most impressive appearance on Charlie Rose. You are needed in America–indeed, throughout the Western world–to present what I hope is a more honest image of the Muslim woman and Egyptian culture. It is most unfortunate that the West is left with such a warped image of Islam characterized by the hatred espoused by extremists and the ignorance of too many the world-over (such as Adam and his ad hominem attacks above). I wish you continued success, and will be following your progress and playing whatever role I am able to help enlighten the world thanks to your inspiration.
Paul
Loved you on Charlie Rose. I hope you enjoyed American. Patrick M Griffin
I just watched you on CNBC and I must say that you are in fact an objective jounalist! Your reporting was very enlightening with great insight; Egyptians should be very proud for you are a national asset and yet so young!
I just watched your interview on MSNBC this morning. It was one of the most intetesting and enlightening interviews I have heard in quite some time. Thank you so much for your contribution to open dialogue and your passion for journalism.
I watched you on MSNBC this morning, and learned so much from your clear and thorough explanation of the situation in Egypt. Thank you so much for your analysis. I’m sure you now have several new American fans, but please remember me as one of the first :). Good luck to you. I look forward to reading and seeing more of your work. Jeff Hughes
Ms. Katatney – I just watched this morning’s UP on tape. Girl you are BAD! Please stay on Up as a contributor! You are the first person I’ve seen who has given a concise picture of what’s happening in one of the most important countries in our world. I am going to keep up with your writings.
Cheers
Lauren
Ethar El-Katatney, your analytical report on the “Up Chris Hayes” show today was truly impressive. Continue your excellent work in journalism.
i am Munir Ahmad from Pakistan—i write column in our local language Urdu in Pakistan
I have ent asmall review about ur book :Islam in China : which is as under
I have gone through glimpses of book “Islam in China” It has impressed me too much –I will inshallah write a note about it in… Urdu & will get itpublished in Pakistni news papers
The author is a lady from Saudi Arabia but now setteld in Egypt .She is of age 25 years only
A thinking used to disturb my mind since many years whether a boy / girl of teen age or 20 -24 age could guide scholars of 60 -70 years & ——by reading this book i got reply –YES any young who has vision & deep thinking can do so –She has written this travelogue at age of 25 years & this travelogue will guide so called scholars of 70 years
For example one scholar had made a speech long ago that a Muslim living in any society should put some sign on his house which show that Muslim is abiding in that house —-I was against this idea — Now she has shown same thinking of Chinese who have constructed mosques in such a style that it show/ represent Chinese culture (Padgoda like roofs ) from out side BUT from inner side thay have all Islamic caligraphies , octagonal minarets etc
Then she told that Population Control programme is not for all but if any group population is high ratio in country then Population planning is adopted in that group or province –this has opened my eyes —-It means it may not be applied in Balochistan of Pakistan
Ahlan Wa Sahlan
Enjoy your view points, keep up the good work, is there any scope for my company in your area, let me know, I would like to expand.
Regards
Zaheer
Helloh, sister… Assalamu’alaykum, 🙂
Greeting from Indonesiaa..
u r great
Wow, a 24yr old with achievement of a 40 year old. Lovely, am really impressed. Regards, Junaid Khan.
Your article is informative and insightful. Wish the best
Dr. Hassan, KSA
افتخر بشباب مصر مثلك ومن كان مثللك بارك الله فيكى وارجوا التواصل واتشرف بمتابعتى لك ( م/وائل بالأمانة العامة بمجلس الشعب- قطاع المعلومات)
Hi, I am not sure how you feel about blog awards but recently my blog,
Life: A Novel https://aplacetoletgo.wordpress.com/2013/01/15/life-a-novels-first-blog-award-nomination/ has been nominated for the Liebster Award.
Part of the rule is to nominate 11 up and coming blogs. One of the blogs I am nominating is your blog. If you are interested to participate in this bloggers award (and if you have not received the same nomination before), please visit my post on the, Liebster Award . Once you accept the nomination, please send me the link to your Liebster Award post. I do want to know more about my fellow bloggers whose blog I find very interesting and inspirational to other bloggers. Thank you and happy blogging!
Valuable info. Fortunate me I discovered
your website by accident, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate didn’t came
about in advance! I bookmarked it.
I do not know if it was the last time you updated the site, but here I want to comment by is saying, you are a 24 year old female. There are a lady who received an award. Here you can tell yourself you develop. I can not tell you that I know. But I hope someday I’ll find the opportunity to read your book and encounters. Take care of yourself. Be entrusted to Allah.
السلام عليكم و رحمة الله و بركاته. هل تسمحين للتعارف؟
Hi, I would like to read your book on your schooling in Yemen (?) Is it translated into english?
And perhps other material that you have written: where can I find them?
Thank you, Salaam. Pls send if possible an email to me.
thank you
سعودي اوتو