Egyptian women who joined their male compatriots in the protest movement that brought down the Mubarak regime face the likelihood that a new national constitution will retain a provision making gender equality in the country conditional on shari’a (Islamic law). Egypt moved closer to a new constitution Sunday, when political parties reportedly reached agreement on remaining sticking points, including the role of shari’a and gender equality.

Three separate protests against elements of Egypt's draft constitution will be held on Tuesday to coincide with an expected court ruling on the status of the Constituent Assembly. A protest against the draft constitution's Article 36, which focuses on women's issues, will take place at the Shura Council at 6pm.

The National Front for Egyptian Women called for a protest on Monday at 7pm CMT in Talaat Harb Street, Downtown Cairo, to demand that previously-gained rights for women are secured, and to ensure the inclusion of women's rights in the new constitution.