Dr. Farkhonda Hassan is a professor of Geology at the American University in Cairo (AUC) and is chair of the Commission on Human Development and Local Administration of the Shoura Assembly (Second House of the Egyptian Parliament).

She has a B.Sc. in Chemistry and Geology from Cairo University, an M.Sc. in Solid State Science from the American University in Cairo, and a Ph.D. in Geology from the University of Pittsburgh (USA). Also a Dip. in Psychology and Education, Ein Shams University - Egypt

Dr. Hassan is also cochair of the Gender Advisory Board of the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development. Also Secretary-General (2001) and Member of the National Council for Women in Egypt (2000) (till present)

As scientist, politician and development specialist, she has dedicated her multi-faceted career to serve women's cause in policies, public services, sciences, information and technology, social work at grass roots level, education and culture, and other disciplines.

Her affiliations with national and international organizations, non-governmental organizations, research and knowledge institutions have been directed towards women's empowerment.

Frequent short-term consultant/expert to several international and regional programs organized by various UN Organizations e.g. UNIFEM , UNDP, INSTRAW and UNESCO