From our earliest preserved records in the Old Kingdom on, the formal legal status of Egyptian women was nearly identical with that of Egyptian men. Differences in social status between individuals are evident in almost all products of this ancient culture: its art, its texts. In the textual record, men were distinguished by the type of job they held and from which they derived status and income. But most women did not hold jobs outside the home and consequently were usually referred to by more generic titles such as "mistress of the house" or "citizeness." Women were also frequently identified by giving the name and titles of their husband or father, from whom, presumably, they derived their social status. Thus the New Kingdom literary text entitled "The Instructions of Any" state, "A woman is asked about her husband, a man is asked about his rank."
A woman, in ancient Egypt, could refuse an offer of marriage. When they accepted an offer, most women were about 12-14 years old. Women brought a dowry with them into the marriage.
Along with caring for her children, a woman could get a job if she wanted outside of the home. Women could own a business. They could run a business. They could buy and sell property. They could write a will, or have one written for them, leaving all their personal goods to anyone, including their daughters. Married women could even get a divorce.
A woman, in ancient Egypt, could refuse an offer of marriage. When they accepted an offer, most women were about 12-14 years old. Women brought a dowry with them into the marriage.
Along with caring for her children, a woman could get a job if she wanted outside of the home. Women could own a business. They could run a business. They could buy and sell property. They could write a will, or have one written for them, leaving all their personal goods to anyone, including their daughters. Married women could even get a divorce.