Nabawiya Musa

Pioneer of women's education in Saudi Arabia and first female teacher in the Arabian Peninsula

Nabawiya Musa (1886–1960) was a Saudi Arabian educator and reformer who broke societal barriers by establishing the first girls' school in Jeddah in 1918. Born into a family of religious scholars, she defied cultural norms to pursue education at a time when women were largely excluded from formal learning. Her efforts laid the foundation for women's education in the Kingdom, inspiring generations of female scholars and activists.

Musa's advocacy extended beyond education to include women's rights and social reform. She collaborated with King Abdulaziz to introduce modern teaching methods and curriculum reforms. Her 1929 publication Women's Education in the Arabian Peninsula remains a seminal text on gender equity in Islamic societies. Learn more at Wikipedia.