‘First Egyptian single mother’ causes social media frenzy

The story of Hadir Makaqi is doing the rounds on social networking sites. Hadir married under customary law and got pregnant, yet her husband divorced her before she delivered the baby - who she named Adam.

Hadir took to social media asking for support in gaining custody of the baby under her name, in case the law did not force the father to put him under his name.

The 27-year-old girl said that it all started when she fell in love with a guy named Mahmoud Mustafi Fahim Barghout and they were married for several years, under customary law. They kept their marriage secreted because there were some issues with the father-in-law.

After delivering the baby, she hired a lawyer to prove to her baby’s paternity to her ex-husband. Meanwhile, social media activists are divided: a minority who sympathize with her and a majority who accuse her of indecency.

Those who supported her, launched the hashtag "I support Hadir Makawi." Hadir responded to those who accused her by saying that she feels sorry for a society that does not know its priorities.

Ironically, the Association of Women’s Rights opposed Hadir, while a few other associations expressed support.

Law professor Ahmad Mahran told al-Arabiya that what Hadir has done is illegal and is considered as adultery. He added that the girl should have witnesses to support her statements. Otherwise she will face several charges, one of which is resorting to social media to promote her case.