Bakkifa bids farewell to Salima Al Kazzaz Dergham, the first woman municipal president in Lebanon

The village of Bakkifa in the Qaza of Rashayya bid farewell yesterday to Salima al Kazaz Dergham, also known as Oum Nabil, who served as Bakkifa’s municipal head from 1964 to 1998 and was the first woman to serve in this position.  Dergham's funerals were attended by key social, religious and political figures. Several persons spoke on this occasion notably Saadeh Baddour on behalf of the village residents, municipal head, Fadel Fayad on behalf of the municipal council and Jamil Dergham on behalf of the family. Speeches saluted Dergham's life achievements in development and public service and the pioneering role she played in supporting women and encouraging them to play a public role in Bakkifa. Dr. Yehya Khamis spoke on behalf of MP Walid Joumblat and noted that Dergham lived in the service of others and as the first woman to be elected municipal head, she was a role model for women in Lebanon seeking to serve at the highest level.  He added that the deceased worked for the development and advancement of her village.  The Minister of Public Health, Wael Abou Faoor, announced that Dergham was bestowed the Lebanese Order of Merit First Class by the President of the Republic, Michel Suleiman, in recognition of her contributions to Lebanon, while extending his condolences to the family.
Source: Al-Mustaqbal, Al-Nahar 19 March 2014