Farkhonda Hassan (Arabic: فرخندة حسن) (1930 - 30 October 2020)[1] was a professor of Geology at the American University in Cairo and was chair of the Commission on Human Development and Local Administration of the Shura Council.
[2] She also held a Diploma in Psychology and Education from Ain Shams University in Egypt.
Hassan was co-chair of the Gender Advisory Board of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development and Secretary-General[4] (2001) and Member of the National Council for Women in Egypt since 2000.
As a scientist, politician, and development specialist, she had a career centered on women's causes in policies, public services, sciences, information and technology, social work at grass roots level, education and culture, and other disciplines.
[5] Hassan served as a short-term consultant and expert to several international and regional programs organized by various United Nations organizations such as UNIFEM, UNDP, INSTRAW and UNESCO.