Ester Akhnoukh Fanous or Esther Fanous, also known as Ester Wissa was an Egyptian Christian feminist and the daughter of doctor Akhnoukh Fanous and Balsam Wissa.
Background
The national and religious atmosphere dominating her parents" house had a great influence on her personality. She accordingly knew the freedom through the ideas and opinions raised within her family and through the valuable books existing in her father"s library.
Career
She then decided to revolt against British colonialism in early 1919. Triple of this number insists to establish justice in our homeland. Elders regain their strength, men are valiant and women are virile".
Ester traveled to Cairo to meet with Safia Zaghloul who proposed the signature of three women on the message dedicated to President Wilson.
Hundred women were gathered to sign this message and submit their objections. Then they went in a feminist demonstration raising their flags and chanting slogans.
Together with Hoda Shaarawi, Ester Fanous decided to establish a committee representing the women of Egypt acting jointly with the delegation. In Street Mark Church, the women held a meeting where Hoda Shaarawi was nominated chair and Fekria Hosny, Ehsan First Rate (at Lloyd's)-Qoussy and Ester Fanous were nominated as secretaries.
They subsequently held a political meeting in a mosque where they delivered their speeches for the first time with mentor
In March 1923, Ester Fanous established with other women the Egyptian Feminist Union to improve women"s level in literature and social aspect and to promote them to be treated on equal footing with men in rights and obligations. She was involved in other associations such as the Young Women"s Christian Association and the Labour Association of Egypt as well as other charitable associations.