The multi-talented Egyptian writer Nawal El Saadawi has died at the age of 89.
The renowned feminist author, activist, physician and psychiatrist had been transferred to hospital after complications arising from an illness, Al-Ahram newspaper reported.
El Saadawi was a prolific author, with dozens of titles to her name, and was referred to as the "Simone de Beauvoir of the Arab world".
She was said to have disliked the reference, saying, "I'm much more radical than her", Egypt Today reported.
Egyptian writer and activist Nawal El Saadawi dies aged 89
Her books covered many feminist subjects and she was the subject of the film She Spoke the Unspeakable, broadcast in the BBC 1 TV series Imagine.
El Saadawi founded organisations including the Arab Women's Solidarity Association, the Arab Association for Human Rights, the Health Education Association and the Egyptian Women Writers' Association.
As a doctor, she held prestigious positions including director general of the Health Education Department for Cairo's Ministry of Health, and she edited Health Magazine and the Medical Association Magazine.
“Men are oppressed by the patriarchy too”.@NawalElSaadawi1 pic.twitter.com/XGkQDJVqiM
— Dr Nisreen Alwan 🌻 (@Dr2NisreenAlwan) March 20, 2021
El Saadawi has received prizes and accolades including the Sean MacBride Peace Prize, and honorary degrees on three continents.
Fans were quick to mourn the loss on social media, with one user writing on Twitter: "Dr Nawal El Saadawi just passed away. At the time Middle Eastern women are facing so much on a daily basis."
Another user described it as a "big loss for Egyptian women".
Egyptian feminist and novelist Dr. Nawal El Saadawi @NawalElSaadawi1 passes away at the age of 90. A big loss for Egyptian women 💔💔
— engy magdy (@engy_magdy10) March 21, 2021