[citation needed] She continued her studies to an advanced level, which was highly unusual for Egyptian girls at the time.

She played an active role in the Suez War, during which Egypt was invaded by the United Kingdom, France and Israel.

"[5] She obtained several military awards from the Egyptian state, notably the badge of the Third Army, the Medallion of 6 October and the medal of the armed forces.

[2] Voting rights and eligibility for elected office were extended to Egyptian women by President Gamal Abdel Nasser through the adoption of the 1956 Constitution.

Opinion polls conducted at the time showed that 70% of Egyptian men were opposed to the idea of women taking seats in Parliament.

[4] Ateya's victory was all the more significant since her opponent in the election was pro-communist lawyer and banker Ahmed Fuad, a personal friend and protégé of President Nasser.

[citation needed] After visiting the major communist and socialist-leaning countries of the time such as China, India, the Soviet Union and Czechoslovakia, she told reporters: "I have seen Russia, but I really think that I would like Egypt to be more like the United States of America.

In December 2007, a ceremony was held in the Egyptian Parliament to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ateya's electoral victory.