Nadia Ahmed Abdo is smashing through Egypt's glass ceiling.
The veteran Egyptian politician was just sworn in as governor of the coastal province Beheira, becoming the first woman – in modern history – to serve as a governor in the country.
Abdo already served as the deputy governor of the region, a post she has held since 2013. She was previously elected to Egypt's parliament in 2010.
Her new role comes as part of a government reshuffle. Several other governors were changed and new ministers were appointed to the country's cabinet.
Abdo's colleagues have described her as the "iron lady."
As governor, Abdo aims to transform the city of Rashid into an international touristic city. Additionally, she plans to establish an industrial city in the province and launch new hospitals and universities, according to Egypt Independent.
Abdo graduated from Alexandria University’s engineering school in 1965, going on to receive a master's degree three years later.
She was the chairperson of Alexandria's state-run sanitation and drinking water company for 10 years, from 2002 to 2012.
Just 15 percent of Egypt's members of parliament are women, 89 out of 596. The country's cabinet now has three women ministers following the government reshuffle.
In her new role as governor, Abo will serve as a powerful example to Egyptian society, demonstrating that women too can lead and take on any challenge.
