Egypt boasted its modernity. Women attended schools and filled its booming factories…But the presence of women in public life still unnerved many.
-- Fatma (Chapter 3)

Importance: This quote quickly establishes the discrepancy between men and women within the world of the novel. It is clear that women are seen as lesser than men to some degree. This is why Gamal is so surprised to learn that Fatma is working for the ministry as women never do. All of this means that Fatma will have resistance within society itself as she progresses through the plot and tries to make a name for herself. This also hints at the idea that there may be other women throughout the plot that Fatma may need to work with as they are more marginalized than the male characters and offer a different perspective.

Behind those ever-smiling lips was a shrewd mind that knew all the workings of this...
-- Fatma about Merira (Chapter 5)