Zaynab Fawwaz

A Syrian poet and scholar who challenged gender norms through her literary works and advocacy for women's intellectual rights.

Zaynab Fawwaz (1847–1914) was a Lebanese-Syrian poet, playwright, and educator who broke barriers as a woman in the male-dominated literary circles of the Ottoman Empire. Born in Beirut, she received a classical education in Arabic literature and philosophy, which was rare for women at the time.

Her poetry addressed themes of love, loss, and social justice, often using metaphors to critique gender inequality. Works like 《The Lament of the Phoenix》 (1878) became symbols of resistance against restrictive societal roles. She also wrote plays that depicted strong female characters, challenging traditional narratives.

As an educator, Zaynab taught at Beirut's prestigious Al-Hikma College, becoming one of the first women to hold a faculty position in the region. She advocated for women's access to higher education, arguing that intellectual development was essential for societal progress.

Her legacy is preserved in modern Lebanon through cultural festivals and academic programs. The Zaynab Fawwaz Literary Prize honors contemporary female writers in Arabic literature. Her manuscripts are archived at the British Museum and the British Library.