Anbara Salama

Syrian feminist educator who pioneered women's education and political participation in the early 20th century Arab world

Anbara Salama (1886–1963) was a Syrian feminist, educator, and political activist who became one of the most prominent voices for women's rights in the Arab world during the early 20th century. Born in Damascus, she defied societal norms by pursuing higher education and later became a teacher, writer, and political organizer. Her work laid the foundation for modern Syrian women's education systems and political engagement.

In 1919, Salama co-founded the Arab Sisters Organization, the first women's association in Syria focused on education and social reform. She established schools for girls in Damascus and Beirut, emphasizing science and critical thinking alongside traditional subjects. Her advocacy led to the first women's high school in Syria opening in 1920.

Salama's political activism included participation in the 1919 Egyptian Revolution and the 1920 Syrian National Congress. She wrote extensively on women's rights, producing plays and essays that challenged patriarchal norms. Her 1930 play "The Call of the Blood" addressed gender inequality and inspired public debate across the Arab world.

She also played a key role in the 1930s movement to abolish the Ottoman-era legal system that restricted women's rights. Her efforts contributed to Syria's 1953 Personal Status Law, which granted women more rights in marriage and inheritance. While her writings remain less known internationally, scholars like Dr. Nadera Shalhoub-Kevorkian have highlighted her contributions in academic journals.