I noticed that too a few years ago in her old concert films. Don’t forget, however, that in her hay day, Egypt was controlled by socialists who preached at least some modernizing, pro-women things.
“Internally, Nasser destroyed the political and economic power of the old feudal landowning class. Education and employment opportunities were made available to all Egyptians regardless of class or sex. Women were encouraged to get an education and go to work as part of the national struggle for economic progress and development. After the revolution, women were at last granted the right to vote.”
http://www.mongabay.com/history/egypt/egypt-nasser’s_legacy.html
I learned, from reading comments on youtube, that Oum Kalthoum is also well-loved and listened to by Jews throughout the Middle East, although of course they are more and more confined to Israel. Her music is transcendent.