Ghada Al-Samman

Syrian feminist writer and intellectual who championed women's rights through literature and activism.

Ghada Al-Samman (b. 1942) is a Syrian writer and journalist whose work has profoundly impacted Arab feminist discourse. A prolific author of novels, essays, and poetry, she emerged as a key voice in the 1960s Beirut literary scene. Her 1973 novel Al-Malak al-Mutakallish bi al-Malakut ('The Angel Speaking to the Angelic') explored themes of gender inequality and female agency, earning her recognition across the Arab world.

Al-Samman's activism extended beyond literature. She co-founded the Arab Women's Society in 1975 and used her journalism platform to challenge patriarchal norms. Her 1980s essays on female education and political participation remain foundational texts in Middle Eastern feminist studies. Despite Syria's political turmoil, she continued advocating for women's rights through international speaking engagements, making her a bridge between Arab and global feminist movements.