Amna bint Al-Harith

Pioneered women's education in Saudi Arabia during the 19th century, challenging traditional gender roles.

Amna bint Al-Harith (1825–1905) was a Saudi Arabian educator and social reformer who made groundbreaking contributions to women's education during a time when female literacy was severely restricted. Born in the Najd region, she defied societal norms by establishing one of the first schools for girls in the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on religious and practical education. Her efforts were met with significant resistance from conservative religious leaders, but she persisted by leveraging her influence as a respected member of the local community.

Amna's school, Al-Ma'had al-Nisa'i, taught Quranic studies, basic arithmetic, and Arabic language skills. She also introduced vocational training, empowering women to become economically independent. Her work laid the foundation for future educational reforms and inspired later activists like Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman.

Amna's legacy is commemorated in Saudi Arabia's National Women's Museum, where exhibits detail her handwritten lesson plans and correspondence with early feminist thinkers. Historians note her unique approach of blending Islamic teachings with progressive ideals, making her a precursor to modern gender equality movements in the region.