Hana Shiha broke through the cinema scene when she was only 20 years old, and excelled after her hit series el bar el Gharbi, which FYI she filmed when she was *still* a student. We spoke to the astounding Egyptian actress at the 2020 Cairo International Film Festival about all things marriage, her career, and what it’s like raising boys. 

Scroll down below to read allll the ~wisdom~ that Hana shared with Cosmo ME…

Her thoughts on marriage…

“For me, if you are not happy, leave. What kind of example are you setting for your kids when you’re settling in a marriage or a relationship just because you don’t want to look any further or because you’re comfortable being a man even if he’s hurting you or even if you’re not happy?

If you’re in an unhappy relationship, you need to leave. Yes, you are going to struggle, yes, it is hard. But it is better to be with someone who fulfills your life with you and chooses you daily. Many women don’t look further because they do not want to have the challenge of looking further. A lot of people choose to stay. For me, I choose to leave.”

Her thoughts on raising boys…

“I always tell them “You have to be gentle, you have to be the man that I never saw in my life. The man who opens doors for women, who trusts the woman he is with and who respects her privacy.” I tell them that it is none of their business what a woman wears or why she’s wearing it. If men are comfortable in who they are, they will be confident in who they are with. I remind my sons that as men, it is their responsibility to be caring, responsible and gentle. You must notice the small things before the big things. I know that not all boys are raised this way but this is how I raise them.”

Her career tips for women…

“Firstly, always stand up for your rights. Women have the right to speak. I believe that this is the time for women. There are so many initiatives on equality, but I believe that it’s up to you to take your rights and achieve what you want. If you decide to wait to receive equality, you will never receive it. What you allow will happen to you. Never wait in the shade and always grab what’s yours.

You must believe in your ability to reach wherever you want. Never be intimidated by society. If you believe in what you want, it is yours.”

QUEEN.

Location: Cairo Mariott
Shot on: Nikon z6

Interview by Twinkle Stanly & Yasmin Reda