The Women's League was founded in Beirut in 1920. Its main object is to promote a broad acquaintance among women of all nationalities through their common interest in the welfare of the city of Beirut and the Near East and to maintain an open forum where leaders in matters of public and civic interests may be heard frequently.
The membership totalling from 85 to 120 (from year to year) consists of English speaking women of different nationalities. The members hear programs monthly from November to May on a variety of subjects.
The league has three committees which meet monthly; the scholarship committee which helps to raise funds for the education of one girl every year, the music appreciation group and the home and child study group. The last two groups are open for all those who are interested.
For the Women's League
The Alumnae Association of the Beirut College for Women has around 1000 members with organised branches in 8 centres in the Middle East. Its object is to promote the interests of the B. C. W. and establish mutually beneficial relations between the College and its alumni. It has in the past contributed towards the erection of a new College building and
A special meeting was held for amending the constitution. Among the amendments the name of the Leb. Arab Federation for Women has become: Lebanese Federation for Women.
A program committee headed by Miss Ibtihaje Kaddurah, Mrs. Kronful, Dauk, Tadrus, Kfouri, Beyhum, Frayha and Najjar was elected to find means for financing the Federation. A « Thè Dansant » will be held at Hotel St. Georges for this cause.
The representative of the Lebanese Federation in the Higher Executive Committee For Women's Rights, reported that the committee is optimistic. Much hope is expected in the coming parliament. All non-political organizations are in favor and enthusiastic for women's rights and suffrage.
Miss Hamdé Sheikh, and Mary Hanania were added to the propaganda & press committee.
Miss Aminah Khouri was asked to report about her trip to the U. S. A. in a special meeting towards the end of February.
Meet Some of the Societies Affiliated To The Lebanese Women's Federation.
The aim of the society when founded in 1920 was to help educate the poor girls of Aley. This project was carried up till 1942 when the big number of girls in need of this help was more than the Society's budget could support. This shortage of money made the responsible members seek help from the Ministry of Education. The Minister of Education at the time, Professor George Kfouri, with the earnest cooperation of Mr. André Twainy, director of the Ministry of Finance, established a government's girls school. The school has about five hundred girl students. The Society takes the responsibility now for securing funds for books, aprons and other school expenses of the poor girls. The Society also helps the poor families of the district as well as the Palestinian refugees nearby. Funds are raised by selling hand worked articles, cinema shows, and other activities.
Many well-wishing friends, in Alley as well as abroad, occasionally send gifts of money. Thanks to this noble spirit the work is being continued and is prospering.
President, EUGENIE MAASRI Secretary, ADEL BITAR