Dr. Heba Salah
Heba, born in Cairo, is a senior researcher, translator, and interpreter at Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta (Egypt's Official House for Issuing Religious Edicts), with a strong background in Islamic studies, gender, and development. Obtaining her Ph.D. in linguistics and social sciences, Heba is committed to advancing gender equity, interreligious dialogue, and intercultural understanding. She has a proven track record of participation in international events and initiatives to promote peace, empowerment, and knowledge dissemination.
Professional Experience
- Senior Researcher, Translator, and Interpreter - Dar Al-Ifta, Cairo, January 2008 - Present
Specialized in providing interpretation and research support at Egypt's Official Muslim Religious House for Issuing Religious Edicts. Responsible for managing the FatwaPro Application and handling all communications relevant to Muslims in the West.
Education
- Ph.D. in Social Sciences (Mental Health and Family Counseling) - Washington DC College, USA, December 2023
Thesis titled: "The Role of Language and Dialogue in Fostering Identity". - M.A. in Gender and Development - Cairo University, Faculty of Economics and Political Science, July 2018
Thesis titled: "Gender Mainstreaming in Official Muslim Institution: Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta Case Study". - B.A. in English Language and Literature - Ain Shams University, Faculty of Languages (Al-Al-Sun), May 2002.
- Diploma in Islamic Studies - Al-Azhar's Higher Institute for Islamic Studies in English Language, May 2011.
- International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Participant
Nominated by the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, September 2014
Program: "Women Leaders: Promoting Peace and Security".
Overseas Trips and Activities
- Engaged in various international events, meetings, and workshops focusing on gender, interreligious dialogue, and intercultural understanding.
- Provided training programs to female preachers at Egypt's Research Assembly (Majma' Al-Buhuth) on treating and engaging Daw'ah as a female scholar.
- Participated in a workshop with Musawah international organization, contributing to discussions on achieving family equality.
- Attended conferences on renewing religious discourse, actively shaping discussions on these topics.
- Initiator of "Women’s Voices for Peace" in collaboration with KAICIID, dedicated to breaking stereotypes and empowering women in Egypt and the MENA Region. Addressed critical issues including FGM, child marriage, and divorce.
- KAICIID Arab Fellow (2019).
- KAICIID Fellow (She for Dialogue) Program (2022).