Zahia Kaddoura: A pioneer Arab woman || Newspapers (Arabic)

Al Nahar newspaper published last Saturday a review of a book entitled: “Zahia Kaddoura, a pioneer intellectual, educational & patriotic woman”, written by Dr. Mohammad Saadeddine Al-Ariss and published by Dar Al-Nahda Al-Arabiya. The book review pointed out to key elements of Zahia’s feminist approach and academic journey in addition to her achievements in fighting for women rights.
Zahia was the first woman to be appointed to a senior post in the Lebanese university in her capacity as Dean of Literature and Human Sciences Faculty after a battle within the university administration, and her endorsement by the cabinet in 11 March 1971. She was also the first Lebanese woman to earn a PHD from an Egyptian university. Zahia studied history at the American university of Beirut then pursued her masters and thereafter PHD in Arabic and Islamic history in Cairo and returned to Beirut in 1951.
In her work and researches, Zahia Kaddoura focused on feminine intellectual production, Muslim women rights and their contribution in modern time. It is worth mentioning, that in 1959, Saudi Arabia turned down her nomination by the Lebanese government to be the post of cultural advisor at the League of Arab States. In 1951, she was also denied the post of cultural attaché at the Lebanese diplomatic delegation to Egypt during the time of Abdullah Al-Yafi’s government.  
Source: Al Nahar 17 November 2012