article · Issue No. 3, March 1947 · p. 40

The Lebanese Arab Women's Federation

الاتحاد النسائي اللبناني العربي

The silver jubilee celebrated by the Lebanese Arab Women's Federation last January found an echo in all circles concerned with women's social affairs. It gives us pleasure today to publish this word, to acquaint our readers with the nature of this Federation, which has to its credit commendable endeavors in the service of the Lebanese woman.

It is the syndicate of woman in Lebanese society, and it is composed of the various licensed associations throughout Lebanon. Each association is represented by its president and four of its members only, to attend the sessions and meetings and take part in the work. The aim of the Federation is cooperation among the women's associations, whatever their tendencies, so that they may work together for the advancement of the family and society, for the raising of woman's station and her elevation to the level worthy of her, and for the attainment of her social and political rights.

It is the connecting link between the Lebanese associations and the institutions in the other Arab countries and elsewhere. And it has the right to ask the associations to undertake certain projects for the good of the country.

The Federation does not interfere with the independence of the associations enrolled in its ranks, nor does it touch their principles and aims; but it may, by resolution, expel one of its members if it becomes clear that that member is acting contrary to the spirit of the Federation and its statutes.

Moreover, the Federation backs every association in its projects and assists it as circumstances require.

The Federation's treasury and finances are fed by the subscriptions of the associations, by donations, and by the holding of fêtes when the need calls for it.

The Federation recently held the election of its statutory administrative board after the lapse of three years. The capable Miss Ibtihaj Kaddoura won the presidency — this being the third time our gifted young lady has gained the confidence of the associations — and there is no doubt that the women's federation will proceed under her banner along the high road of right.

The vice-presidency was entrusted to Mrs. Najla Saab; the secretaryship for domestic correspondence to Mrs. Hasiba Shaaban Yakan; the secretaryship for foreign correspondence to Mrs. Nadia Salman; the recording secretaryship to Mrs. Ellen Rihan; and the treasurership to Miss Aminah Khoury.

The present committees are composed as follows: the Administrative Committee — the Finance Committee — the Committee on Publicity and Publication — the Committee on Education and Instruction — the Prisons Committee — the Committee for Raising the Moral Standard — the Health Committee — the Child Welfare Committee — the Political Committee — the Legislative Committee.

The Federation is now working with diligence and energy to unify woman's efforts and raise her social level, until she attains the ideal goal to which she aspires.

Translation and transcription are machine-made and may contain errors. See it on the page.