Solafa Magdy is not just an Egyptian journalist and human rights defender; she is a beacon of courage, resilience, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of truth and justice. Having endured nearly two years of imprisonment in Egypt due to her fearless journalistic work and advocacy for human rights, Solafa's commitment to her principles has earned her prestigious accolades, including the DAWN Integrity Award and the Courage in Journalism Award from the International Women's Media Foundation (IWMF) in 2023 and 2020, respectively.

 

Highlighted by The Washington Post Press Freedom Partnership for her remarkable bravery in the face of threats and unjust sentences, Solafa's dedication was further recognized when she was granted French honorary citizenship by the Mayor of Paris in December 2020.

 

A graduate of Ain Shams University in Cairo with a law degree, Solafa has contributed to national and international media outlets, showcasing her focus on mobile-based reporting through platforms like Al-Araby TV, The Guardian, The Hill, Deutsche Welle, TRT World, and more. Her coverage spans crucial topics, from Egypt's political transition to societal challenges like sexual harassment, minority and women's rights, education, human rights, and refugee issues.

 

Beyond journalism, Solafa co-founded the nonprofit "Everyday Footage" to empower young women journalists in mobile journalism. Despite her move to France, she remains an advocate, hosting podcasts discussing human rights and the perspectives of the Egyptian diaspora on democracy.

 

As an exiled woman journalist and TIMEP’s Bassem Sabry Democracy Fellow, Solafa's commitment to democratic values remains resolute. Through her articles, she shares the profound experiences of political imprisonment, amplifying the voices of fellow women prisoners. Organizing Congressional meetings, she spotlights their challenges, urging action against arbitrary detentions and advocating for the release of all women political prisoners. The scars of imprisonment have transformed into a source of strength, propelling her forward with an unyielding determination to be a beacon for truth, justice, and democracy