Woman's Day in Tripoli

Woman's Day in Tripoli was a memorable day, for the women's organizations in Tripoli and the North issued invitations to a gathering at which the woman's cause would be presented, following the example of Beirut. The hall of the Roxy Cinema was packed with crowds, some supporting and some hesitant, and numerous delegations attended as well from Beirut, Sidon, Aley, and the North. After the gathering was opened with the Lebanese anthem, Mrs. Minerva Dammous, wife of Mr. Qaysar Ghorayeb, spoke words of welcome and thanks, presenting the woman's cause in general terms — on the view that woman has no cause: it is rather the cause of the man who refuses to acknowledge any right for woman. She then introduced the speakers. His Excellency the Minister of Justice, Mr. Rashid Karami, spoke, explaining the facts of the question together with the opinion of its supporters and its opponents, and said that it is today in the hands of the Chamber of Deputies, which is to have its say on it. The deputy Mr. Qabuli al-Dhawq spoke, and his opinion was frank, supporting women's rights completely. Then the literary Miss Najwa al-Sayyid spoke, attacking the selfish man who wants to keep dominion all to himself so that he may roam and frolic as he pleases with no one watching. After her spoke Mr. Abdul-Hadi Shalak, who spoke with all his heart and all his feeling, demanding complete equality. Then the poet Mr. Salim Ghantus, president of the Bar of the North, after prefacing with a graceful pleasantry and a sweet jest, recited a poem that was approval through and through, and marveled that the lady's chauffeur, her gardener, her cook, and even her shoeshine boy should have the political right while it is withheld from her.

And so this gathering was successful to the farthest limits of success and good fortune.