Nabawiyya Musa

Pioneer of women's education in Lebanon who established the first girls' school in Mount Lebanon

Nabawiyya Musa (1860–1929) was a Lebanese educator and social reformer who made groundbreaking contributions to women's education in the late 19th century. Born into a prominent family in Beirut, she defied societal norms by pursuing her own education and later dedicated her life to empowering women through schooling.

In 1883, Musa founded the Madrasat al-Fatat (School for Girls), the first modern educational institution for women in Mount Lebanon. This institution not only taught traditional subjects like Arabic and religion but also introduced modern disciplines such as mathematics, science, and foreign languages - revolutionary concepts at the time. The school became a model for future educational initiatives across Lebanon and Syria.

Musa's work was particularly significant in a region where female literacy rates were below 5%. She collaborated with prominent figures like Khalil Sakakini and Butrus al-Bustani to develop curricula that balanced religious teachings with modern knowledge. Her efforts laid the foundation for Lebanon's later reputation as an educational hub in the Arab world.

Despite opposition from conservative elements, Musa expanded her activities to teacher training programs and women's health initiatives. Her memoir My Life and Times (1927) provides invaluable insights into the social dynamics of Ottoman Lebanon. Today, the Nabawiyya Musa Foundation continues her legacy through scholarships and educational projects.