The AUB University Libraries invite you to explore their
exhibit “Women Pioneers in Arab Press (1892-1925)", highlighting the contribution of women writers in the Arab Nahda or the Arab awakening: the call for modernization and reform movement that flourished in the Arab World during the second half of the 19th century and the early 20th century.
The exhibition celebrates the work of ten women writers, who published their own magazines and promoted the ideas of modernization through social, political, and religious reform.
Women chose to start their own magazines to affirm their status as full participants in society, or as Hind Nawfal said it, “Many are the women who are well accomplished intellectually and perfected morally
without depending on men."
They wanted to publish content published by women, for women. “Women know better about their condition
than men, so they are the best fit to write
about themselves" as Labiba Hachem said.
This special exhibition features ten women magazines, starting with Hind Nawfal's “al-Fatat" the first women's magazine issued in 1892, and ending with Fatima al Youssef's well-acclaimed newspaper, “Rose el Youssef", published in 1925.
In the exhibit, you will find on display: the first issue of each magazine, the first editorial (whenever available), sample articles, and biographies of the journalists.
The exhibit was physically on display at Jafet Library's main lobby in March and April of 2022. Its content is featured in an online exhibit accessible here: http://online-exhibit.aub.edu.lb/exhibits/show/women-pioneers-in-arab-press--
For more information about the exhibit, contact the Collection Development department (colldev@aub.edu.lb, Ext. 2623/8).