constituteproject.org PDF generated: 18 Apr 2016, 15:21 Chapter Two: Basic Components of Society Section One: Social Components Article 7: Al-Azhar Al-Azhar is an independent scientific Islamic institution, with exclusive competence over its own affairs. It is the main authority for religious sciences, and Islamic affairs. It is responsible for preaching Islam and disseminating the religious sciences and the Arabic language in Egypt and the world. The state shall provide enough financial allocations to achieve its purposes. Al-Azhar’s Grand Sheikh is independent and cannot be dismissed. The method of appointing the Grand Sheikh from among the members of the Council of Senior Scholars is to be determined by law. • Reference to fraternity/solidarity Article 8: Social solidarity Society is based on social solidarity. • Right to reasonable standard of living • General guarantee of equality The state commits to achieving social justice, providing the means to achieve social solidarity to ensure a decent life for all citizens, in the manner organized by law. Article 9: Equal opportunity The state ensures equal opportunity for all citizens without discrimination. • Right to found a family Article 10: Family as the basis of society Family is the basis of society and is based on religion, morality, and patriotism. The state protects its cohesion and stability, and the consolidation of its values. Article 11: The place of women, motherhood and childhood • Equality regardless of gender The state commits to achieving equality between women and men in all civil, political, economic, social, and cultural rights in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. • First chamber representation quotas • Second chamber representation quotas The state commits to taking the necessary measures to ensure appropriate representation of women in the houses of parliament, in the manner specified by law. It grants women the right to hold public posts and high management posts in the state, and to appointment in judicial bodies and entities without discrimination. The state commits to the protection of women against all forms of violence, and ensures women empowerment to reconcile the duties of a woman toward her family and her work requirements. • State support for the elderly • State support for children Egypt 2014 The state ensures care and protection and care for motherhood and childhood, and for breadwinning, and elderly women, and women most in need. Page 13