Shereen El Feki

Shereen El Feki is a writer, academic, and journalist known for her work examining sexuality, gender, and social change in the Arab world. Her most notable book, "Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World" (2013), provides an in-depth exploration of how sexuality intersects with politics, economics, religion, and tradition across the region. As Vice-Chair of the UN's Global Commission on HIV and the Law, El Feki has extensively researched public health issues and sexual rights in the Middle East and North Africa. Her academic background spans both science and journalism, with a Ph.D. in molecular immunology from the University of Cambridge and previous work as a healthcare correspondent for The Economist. El Feki's writing and research draw on her mixed cultural heritage as the daughter of an Egyptian father and Welsh mother. This dual perspective informs her analysis of Arab society and its evolution, particularly regarding gender relations and sexual attitudes. Her work has appeared in various international publications, and she has served as a TED Global Fellow. El Feki divides her time between London and Cairo, continuing her research on social change in the Arab region while holding academic positions at several institutions.

Readers praise El Feki's balanced reporting and cultural insight in "Sex and the Citadel," noting her ability to discuss sensitive topics through personal stories and research. Many reviews highlight her skill at making complex social issues accessible while maintaining academic rigor. Readers liked: - Comprehensive research backed by statistics and interviews - Personal narratives that humanize the subject matter - Clear explanations of cultural context - Objective tone when discussing controversial topics Readers disliked: - Some sections become repetitive - Focus primarily on Egypt rather than broader Arab world - Academic writing style can feel dry in places Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (1,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (120+ ratings) One reader noted: "El Feki manages to discuss taboo subjects without sensationalism." Another wrote: "The personal stories make statistics come alive, though the academic portions can drag." Multiple reviews mention the book's value in dispelling Western misconceptions about sexuality in Arab societies.

Sex and the Citadel: Intimate Life in a Changing Arab World (2013) An examination of contemporary sexual politics and practices across Arab societies, based on five years of interviews and research in various Middle Eastern countries.

Love, InshAllah: The Secret Love Lives of American Muslim Women (2012) A collection of essays co-edited by El Feki, featuring personal narratives from Muslim American women about their experiences with love, relationships, and sexuality.

Colors of Love: A New Approach to Sex Education (2015) A practical guide addressing sexual health education in Arab societies, incorporating cultural context and traditional values.

Mona Eltahawy writes about gender, sexuality and social issues in the Middle East, examining patriarchal systems and women's rights across the region. Her work shares El Feki's focus on challenging taboos and exploring the intersection of culture, religion, and sexuality in Arab societies.

Nawal El Saadawi documented women's experiences in Egypt through both fiction and non-fiction, addressing topics like female sexuality, religious fundamentalism, and gender-based oppression. Her books combine personal narratives with sociological analysis similar to El Feki's approach.

Fatema Mernissi studied gender dynamics and sexual politics in Muslim societies, with particular attention to historical and contemporary Morocco. Her research bridges academic scholarship with accessible writing about women's roles and rights in Islamic contexts.

Leila Ahmed examines the development of Islamic feminism and the complex relationship between religion, culture, and gender in the Middle East. Her work provides historical context for many of the contemporary issues El Feki explores in her writing.

Raja Alem writes about life in Saudi Arabia with a focus on women's experiences and social transformation in urban centers like Mecca. Her narratives explore the tension between tradition and modernity that El Feki addresses in her analysis of Arab society.