In her study, Civil Society in Egypt at the Beginning of the New Millennium, Dr. Amani Qandil devoted a section to the role and activities of women's civil society organizations struggling against the social, economic and political discrimination that women face.

Women's organizations whose number exceeds 2000 can be subdivided into three categories: those that provide charity and social services to poor and marginalized women, those that struggle for women's economic empowerment through job-creation and the provision of micro-credit, and finally those that engage in advocacy work aimed at promoting social and political equality between the sexes. Certain women's organizations?realizing the interrelated nature of these three goals? have a wide overlap of activities aimed at achieving comprehensive improvement of women's lives. Dr. Qandil lays out the priorities of women's groups in Egypt today which include guaranteed quota system for women in parliament, an increase in women's political participation as both candidates and voters, a reform of the family law, raising women's awareness of their legal rights, social security for female heads of households, creation of job opportunities for women, eradication of violence against women, and equal opportunity for men and women in reaching higher governmental administrative positions.

Dr. Qandil acknowledges the past successes of several women's groups in Egypt particularly those that have approached the women's cause as an integral part of a comprehensive social, economic, and political reform. She, however, presents several suggestions to increase the efficiency and capacity of the women's movement in Egypt. Dr. Qandil recommends wider networking between women's groups in Egypt and the rest of the Arab world. She also argues that women's groups should collaborate further and share successful cases?calling attention to the factors that led to their success. Finally, she encourages academics and practitioners to devise a comprehensive vision and a scientific approach to women's empowerment.