The Address of Mrs. Iqbal Izz al-Din Zouq at the Lebanese Cénacle

The address delivered by Mrs. Iqbal Izz al-Din Zouq at the Lebanese Cénacle at the meeting of the Executive Committee and the women's organizations, held for the honor of calling upon His Excellency the President of the Republic and conveying their thanks to His Excellency for granting woman her full right and her equality with man in the field of politics.

Ladies and young ladies,

It is glad tidings indeed that have been borne to our hearts, we the company of women.

Nay, it is an event of distinction in the eyes of the whole world, in Lebanon's course and in Lebanon's history.

Nay, it is a leap forward for the Lebanese woman, by the granting of her long-denied right in its fullest form, after a long struggle and a fierce fight and after her repeated cries. By this, Lebanon stands in the vanguard of the nations that have raised woman to the station of esteem and respect she deserves in the world of thought, society, and politics. And the Lebanese woman records, with pride and exultation, the names of the leaders of this era upon the pages of her sound heart.

We, the company of women, raise to His Excellency the President, to His Excellency the Prime Minister, and to Their Excellencies the Ministers our most sincere thanks for this bold and blessed step, which has raised the standing of the Lebanese woman and lifted her up to walk side by side with man in service, sacrifice, and earnest work, in a wide and unfettered atmosphere, for the good of Lebanon and in love of Lebanon.

And it pleases me here to recall, with much appreciation and admiration, the noble sacrifices and eminent services rendered by the Executive Committee of the Women's Organizations in the field of liberty, equality, and advancement, with the utmost sincerity, unmarred by any blemish. To you then, my ladies and sisters, members of the Committee, go the truest expressions of thanks and the finest words of praise, for your labors have been crowned with a halo of light that shall remain upon the brow of the Lebanese woman through all the ages — the best witness and proof.

Long live our dear Lebanon!

Long live His Excellency the First President, and long live his government.

Long live the Lebanese woman — unfettered, free, and working!