International Women Day
Speech delivered by Novelist Dr. Mona Zaki
Salons de l’Hôtel des Arts et Métiers, Paris,
March 6, 2025
Many thanks Mr. Francis HUSSON, Director of Christian Embassy in Paris, and your dear colleagues for organizing this very refined event in such a remarkable artistic venue.
Allow me to thank Egyptian Ambassador HE. Ambassador Alaa Youssef and his beloved wife Madame Mahy Marzouk, who highly represent Egyptian women in such a royal way.
I also would like to thank my friends who flew specially from Egypt to join us, prominent Egyptian poet and producer, Dr. Medhat El Adl and his beloved daughter and associate partner Aya El Adl. I must also say that they are here to discuss a great project taking place in Paris, a musical comedy in honor of Our Legendary Queen whom most of you know in France, Um Kolsoum.
Merci dear Fatima, for your generous introduction and your sincere friendship and collaboration.
Honored guests, esteemed colleagues, and most importantly, the remarkable women gathered here today not only to celebrate International Women’s Day but also to declare a truth that history has too often overlooked ; Women are the foundation of civilizations, the makers of change, and the rulers of destiny, not by a human decree but by the divine design.”
As you have noticed, my speech today is entitled All women are Queens.
Yet, what truly defines a Queen? Is it wealth, a throne, or a title ?? No. Queenship is not about crowns—it is about character. It is about : the strength to rise, the wisdom to lead, the courage to defy, and the resilience to endure.
Throughout history, women—whether in royal courts or in the margins of society—have embodied special traits, often guided by faith. They have fought, ruled, nurtured, and resisted, not for their own glory but for a purpose greater than themselves. Their legacies remind us that queenship is not given by man. — It is a calling from God.
As an Egyptian woman, allow me to share the stories of three remarkable Egyptian women who have been chosen by God to play pivotal roles in history. They all echo the timeless qualities of strength, wisdom, courage, and resilience, along with the themes explored in my three published novels; Kingdom of the Heart, Three Queens from Egypt and The Warmth of the Frost.
1. The Traits of a Queen: Let’s start by Strength
A queen is strong—not because she is free of hardship, but because she rises despite it, leaning on God’s provision.
Hagar, the wife of Abraham, and the Burden of Survival
Hagar, an Egyptian woman, was cast out into the desert with her son, Ishmael. She had no protection, no wealth, no support. But did she crumble? No. She endured. When she had nothing left, she lifted her voice in desperation—and God heard her cry. The Lord provided a well in the wilderness, showing that even in the most isolated places, He does not abandon His daughters.
“Hagar’s story is a testament to every woman who has ever endured hardship. To be a queen is to walk in her strength—trusting in God’s provision and rising above adversity with great faith.”
How many women today walk in Hagar’s footsteps?
Women battle poverty, domestic violence, workplace discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare. Many are forced to choose between careers and motherhood, while others struggle with societal expectations that limit their autonomy. Single mothers, displaced refugees, and marginalized women continue to carry invisible burdens, often with little support. Yet, like Hagar, they go on, trusting that God will provide.
My novel “Kingdom of the Heart” beautifully explores this theme, illustrating that strength is not just about survival but about enduring hardship with dignity and faith.
2. Wisdom: Asenath, wife of Prince Joseph, and the Power of Influence
A queen is wise—she understands that true power is not about dominance, but about shaping the future.
Asenath, an Egyptian noblewoman, became the wife of Joseph and the mother of his two sons, two great tribes of Israel.. She was not merely a figure of beauty but a symbol of tolerance. Her influence extended beyond her home—she served as a bridge between nations, ensuring the survival of generations through her wisdom and grace.
She reminds us of Queen Nefertiti, Egypt’s greatest female Pharaoh’s wife ,who stood alongside her husband, Akhnaton, during a radical shift in religion and governance. She knew that true leadership was not just about ruling—it was about building. She led her people into an era of peace and prosperity, proving that queens do not just inherit power—they build legacies.
The world has always underestimated the intelligence of women, yet it is women who have kept societies from crumbling, who have advised kings, who have raised and educated leaders and eventually shaped civilizations.
Yet today, women still face barriers in education and leadership. Girls are denied schooling in many parts of the world. Women in business and politics must work twice as hard, to be recognized; Gender pay gaps persist, and women’s wisdom is still questioned.
These stories serve as a testament to the fact that true influence and wisdom in leadership is not about control but about leaving a legacy that honors God.
My novel “Three Queens from Egypt” sheds light on the wisdom of historical Egyptian queens like Hatshepsut, Cleopatra, and Nefertiti, portrayed in three young ladies living in our present-day; each of whom intelligence and vision, could guide their people through turbulent times.
To be a queen is to possess Asenath’s wisdom— seeking God’s guidance in every decision and using influence to uplift others.
3. Courage: Pharaoh’s Daughter and the Power of Defiance
A queen is courageous— not because she seeks battle, but because she stands for truth and righteousness. She does not bow to injustice. She stands, even when the world tells her to kneel.
Pharaoh’s daughter lived in the royal palace. She had no reason to risk anything. But when she saw the infant Moses floating in the Nile—a child sentenced to die by her own father’s decree—she made a choice. She defied fear from the most powerful ruler of her time and chose faith , by saving this child. With that one act, she changed the course of history.
She is no different from the women who defend life, fight oppression, and speak the truth in a world that demands silence.—those activists who risk and sorry to say, they loose their own lives for justice. Today, resilience is demanded of women everywhere. Women endure workplace discrimination, gender-based violence, and systemic inequalities. They are expected to balance careers, caregiving, and societal expectations without complaint.
This is also precisely portrayed in my most recent novel “The Warmth of the Frost” as it captures this spirit of defiance and bravery. The novel highlights the idea that courage is not just about battles—it is about making bold choices in the face of adversity, using intellect and strategy to defend the truth.
But, courage today comes at a price. Women who fight for justice , face harassment, threats, and even imprisonment. Female journalists and activists are targeted for speaking the truth. It takes immense bravery to stand against corrupted systems, designed to keep women in the shadows.
To be a queen is to possess Pharaoh’s daughter’s courage—choosing faith over fear and standing for what is right, no matter the cost, trusting in God’s grace and divine justice.
What unites all these women?
Their stories are not just stories—they are a blueprint for every woman who has ever had to fight, who has ever had to lead and who has ever had to endure.
They remind us that queens are not only those who wear crowns.
- A woman is a queen when she fights for her family like Hagar, trusting in God’s provision.
- A woman is a queen when she guides with wisdom like Asenath, seeking the Lord’s counsel.
- A woman is a queen when she defies injustice like Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing righteousness over fear.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Through my novels, I illustrate that queenship is not a relic of the past— it endures in the struggles, triumphs, and unwavering faith of women today.
So, as we celebrate International Women’s Day, let us recognize that queenship is not a title given by men—it is a power carried by every woman who refuses to be marginalized.
We stand in honor of the countless women who have shaped our world with their strength, grace, and faith.
But who is The Ultimate Queen who possessed all those qualities and traits together?
As a proud Egyptian Christian Copt with a Catholic education and a graduate of Mère de Dieu School in Cairo, I must honor the greatest Queen of my life—Saint Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus. The Ultimate Queen who possessed all noble qualities and virtues together. Saint Mary’s name shines as an eternal symbol of love, sacrifice, and divine grace.
Saint Mary’s story is one of unwavering courage and deep faith. Chosen for a divine purpose, she embraced it with humility and complete trust in God. Her unquestioning “yes” to angel Gabriel was not merely an act of obedience, but an act of profound bravery—one that changed history forever. Her life teaches us that true queenship is not about power, wealth, or status. It’s about faith, compassion, sacrifice, and the willingness to serve. As a mother, she nurtured, guided, and ultimately endured the greatest pain—watching her Son suffer. Yet, she remained steadfast, embodying resilience with unconditional love.
Saint Mary’s love and acceptance of Mary Magdalene, serves as an example to us all. Their connection is deeply rooted in their shared experiences during Jesus’ passion, death, and resurrection. Both women stood at the foot of the cross, witnessing His suffering. In this moment of immense sorrow, they found solace in each other’s presence, bound together by their love for Christ. The Virgin Mary, as a grieving mother, and Mary Magdalene, as a devoted disciple transformed by God’s grace, exemplify the power of redemption and unwavering faith.
On this day, as we honor women around the world, let us recognize that each woman carries within her , the spirit of Saint Mary, illuminating the world with faith and love and bringing light into the lives of those around.
Whether as mothers, daughters, leaders, or pioneers; women shape societies, raise generations, and stand as pillars of strength.
Their voices echo with wisdom, their hands build futures, and their hearts radiate love that transforms the world, serving as enduring examples of devotion and strength.
Saint Mary’s presence in Egypt
I am profoundly grateful that God chose Egypt to be sanctified by the footsteps of prophets and saints, to be the safe land where the Holy Family sought refuge, making this country forever touched by God’s grace.
The journey of Saint Mary, along with Saint Joseph and the infant Jesus to Egypt, is an essential event in Christian faith, particularly in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 2:13–15). When the angel appeared to Saint Joseph in a dream, warning him to take Mary and Jesus and flee to Egypt for safety. Joseph obeyed, and Mary followed without hesitation.
They took refuge in Egypt for almost 4 years, and this holy journey is celebrated in Christian history as a fulfillment of prophecy and an act of divine protection, not just to the holy family, but also to this great country Egypt, which is currently hosting millions of refugees peacefully with genuine generosity and love.
In this context, allow me to echo the sentiments of His Holiness Pope Francis, who visited Egypt in 2017, and to join him in encouraging Christians worldwide to visit as a pilgrimage destination, walking in the footsteps of the Holy Family and blessing its land from north to south.
I take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to Egypt’s current Ambassador to Paris and its Permanent Representative to UNESCO, H.E. Ambassador Alaa Youssef, for his remarkable efforts in achieving the recognition of the Holy Family’s journey as “World Heritage”. As In November 2022, UNESCO officially inscribed the festivals commemorating the Holy Family’s journey in Egypt on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. These include the Festival of the Advent of the Holy Family to Egypt, celebrated on the 1st of June, and other cultural traditions associated with this sacred journey.
The land of unparalleled beauty, rich history, and divine blessings. As the cradle of civilization, it has been a beacon of knowledge, faith, and culture for thousands of years. From the majestic Nile, which nourishes its lands, to the inspiring pyramids that stand as a testament to human pride with its vibrant people, deep-rooted faith, and enduring legacy, Egypt remains a treasure of wisdom and resilience. A nation blessed beyond measures.
So, allow me to extand to you all an open invitation to come to Egypt, The Queen Mother of the World, أم الدنيا
And now, to all the women here today and all over the world, remember that you are all Queens.
You wear your crowns not in gold or jewels, but in the kindness you show, the wisdom you share, and the battles you fight with grace.
May we always uplift and empower one another, celebrating the divine beauty and strength that makes every woman a Queen. Let us carry forward the legacies of all inspiring women, embracing our roles with courage, faith, and love.
So today, let us celebrate every woman who embodies the true essence of queenship.
Wear your crown—not on your head, but in your heart. Stand tall. Walk boldly. Lead fiercely. Serve humbly.
Because the world moves forward on the strength of women like you !!!
I share with you my dedication of my novel « Trois Reines d’Égypte » :
Hommage aux grandes reines d’Égypte,
À toutes les femmes
qui ont lutté, enduré, construit, persévéré, éduqué et élevé,
jusqu’à ce qu’elles aient pleinement mérité le noble titre de Reines.
Thank you, and may you walk with the grace of a queen every day of your lives.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Thank you for your kind attention.
God Bless you all.
Founder & President of Soft Power Productions
NB: I am deeply influenced by my French Catholic education as well as French literature.
In fact, France is very present in my both novels “Kingdom of the Heart” and “Three Queens from Egypt”
Paris, March 6, 2025