The Iraqi Woman in the Field of Heroism

We have received from our correspondent in Iraq, the accomplished woman of letters Miss Sabah Ahmad Rushdi, a full account of the mighty works which the devoted Iraqi woman is performing in the cause of the sacred struggle for the victory of Palestine, together with some pictures of the president and members of the Women's Union at their work. "The Woman's Voice" thanks Miss Sabah and hopes that she will always keep us supplied with true-to-life pictures of our sister the Iraqi woman in her various social fields.

The days have advanced swiftly to show the world the first tidings of a blessed women's renaissance spreading through Iraqi circles — a renaissance which life itself prepared, after time had long dealt harshly with us.

And there is proof of the vitality of the Iraqi woman in her sharing with man in the sacred struggle in defense of sister Arab Palestine. For the struggle is not confined to the bearing of arms alone; the struggle has many sides, and all of woman's works at the present time count as a great and mighty struggle — the struggle of money, of time, and of manifold humanitarian services! The volunteer movement is widespread, to comfort our wounded and bind up their wounds. And the volunteering of the First Lady of Iraq, Her Majesty Queen Nafisa, and of the venerable Emira Badia — both of them aglow with energy and zeal — together with the rest of the ladies and young ladies, is the greatest proof of the progress attained by the true Iraqi woman, a progress in which none has gone before her...

As for the Iraqi woman whose circumstances have kept her from taking an actual part in the struggle, she is no less zealous than her sister who actually shares in the sacred struggle, for she is certain to perform her fullest portion in some patriotic society serving the Arab nation with the works, the activity, and the expenses it requires. Here is the Women's Union society, which is the highest authority for the rest of the societies; and there the Red Crescent society, fitting out volunteer women and supplying medicines and whatever the hospitals need at its own expense. And the Child Protection society, and other societies besides — such as the "Arab Home" society, under the presidency of the well-bred Miss Sariyya al-Hawja, which prepares housing, food, and clothing for the Palestinian refugees; and the society for Combating Social Ills; and the Women's League society; and the societies of the nation, etc.

Nor may I fail to pay tribute — with pride — to the energy, activity, and perseverance of the dignified Mrs. Asia Tawfiq, president of the Women's Union and Child Protection society. I have known in her a great measure of devotion and self-sacrifice in the cause of the public good: she is one perpetual, unceasing motion that knows no meaning for rest, and thanks to this lofty energy and this matchless devotion all the women's societies have been crowned with success and good fortune. Nor is this all: there is a choice company of excellent ladies and young ladies who collect donations and prepare parcels containing various kinds of consumable goods — cigarettes, boxes of matches, soap, sweets, and the like. All are presented as a gift, in the name of the Iraqi mother or sister, to her gallant young men fighting on the fields of the struggle. And on every parcel has been written a noble verse from the precious and noble Book, each one affirming the sacred struggle in the cause of God and the homeland, and victory to the Arabs.