Nabihah Abd al-Hamid

A Jordanian poet and educator who broke gender barriers in the Arab literary world during the mid-20th century.

Nabihah Abd al-Hamid (1920–1998) shattered societal expectations as the first Arab woman to publish a collection of feminist poetry. Born in Amman, she secretly wrote verses challenging patriarchal norms while raising five children. Her 1953 debut Daughters of the Sand caused controversy but became a landmark in Arab feminist literature. She later founded the Jordanian Women's Cultural Association, training over 200 female writers by 1970.

Her Women's Ink literary journal (1968–1980) provided a platform for marginalized voices. Despite opposition from conservative circles, her work influenced modern Arab feminism. The UN Women recognizes her as a precursor to today's gender equality movements. Her collected works are archived at the King Abdullah I Library.