Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Anbara Salam Khalidi (4 August 1897–May 1986) was a Lebanese feminist, translator, and author, who significantly contributed to the emancipation of Arab women.
Life and Career
Anbara Salam Khalidi, born on 4 August 1897, in Beirut, Lebanon, was a pioneering figure in Arab feminism, literature, and activism. She came from a prominent and well-educated family, which exposed her to various intellectual influences from an early age. Her family’s support for education and culture played a crucial role in shaping her worldview.
As a result of her family’s status, Khalidi was allowed a very unique opportunity for Lebanese women in the early 20th century—to travel through the Arab world in pursuit of worldly education. Her studies abroad were truly transformative, as they enabled her exposure to different languages and cultures through readings and travels.
Her travels changed her own relationship with personal freedom. As a Lebanese noblewoman, Khalidi wore a full-face veil through her adolescence. At 15, she traveled to Cairo. The relative freedoms of Egyptian women helped inspire her progressive stance towards traditional Lebanese norms, including abandoning her traditional face veil. In 1927, she lectured at the Women’s Renaissance Society with her face uncovered despite the controversy that ensued.
Anbara Salam Khalidi is known for her contributions to Arab feminism and her advocacy for women’s rights. She was also a writer and translator. In the 1920s, she wrote articles and essays that focused on gender equality, women’s education, and social reform. She believed in the importance of women’s liberation and their active participation in shaping society.
Khalidi’s activism extended beyond writing. She was an advocate for the improvement of women’s education, encouraging girls to pursue higher education and engage in intellectual pursuits. She also participated in social and political gatherings, where she discussed women’s rights and societal progress.
Anbara Salam Khalidi passed away in May 1986, leaving behind a legacy of activism and literary contributions. Her dedication to women’s rights and her efforts to advance the role of women in Arab societies continue to inspire generations of feminists and advocates.
https://observervoice.com/6-january-remembering-khalil-gibran-on-birth-anniversary-11529/
Award and Legacy
Her legacy and contributions to Arab feminism, literature, and social activism have left a lasting impact on the region. Khalidi was dedicated to advancing women’s rights through education and wrote to the press about the repression faced by Arab women. She also translated Homer’s classics into Arabic, so that others could benefit from her education abroad. At 81 years old, Khalidi published her memoir, later translated to English under the title ‘Memoirs of an Early Arab Feminist.’
Anbara Salam Khalidi’s legacy is an enduring testament to her groundbreaking contributions to Arab feminism, literature, and social change. As one of the earliest Arab feminists, she fearlessly addressed women’s rights and gender equality, setting the stage for future feminist movements in the region. Her emphasis on women’s education and intellectual development not only inspired generations of Arab women to pursue learning but also challenged societal norms that hindered female empowerment. Through her essays and writings, she provided valuable insights into the challenges faced by women in her era, sparking important discussions on social issues. Khalidi’s unwavering advocacy continues to motivate activists to challenge gender norms and work towards equality. Her influence extends to academia, where her ideas are integrated into various disciplines, and to cultural celebrations that honor her as a symbol of progress. By championing the Arab cultural and linguistic identity in the face of colonial influences, she left an indelible mark on Arab intellectual thought. Anbara Salam Khalidi’s legacy serves as a beacon for generations to come, inspiring ongoing efforts to advance women’s rights, education, and social justice in the Arab world and beyond.
On 4 August 2018, Google celebrated Anbara Salam Khalidi’s 121st Birthday with a doodle.
