From ancient queens and pioneering activists to modern-day leaders and cultural icons, Arab women have consistently broken barriers, challenged stereotypes, and left an indelible mark on history.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the stories of nine remarkable Arab women whose groundbreaking contributions have shaped history and inspired generations.
These extraordinary women have redefined power, resilience, and vision, proving that Arab women have always been at the forefront of progress.
Their stories are a reminder that Arab women have always been leaders, changemakers, and sources of inspiration, paving the way for progress and empowering generations to come.
Fatima bint Muhammad Al-Fihriya
Fatima bint Muhammad Al-Fihriya was born around 800 AD in Kairouan and passed away in 878 AD in Fes.
She received a distinguished religious and cultural education, which fueled her love for knowledge. She was a model of an educated Muslim woman and contributed significantly to society.
In 859 AD, Fatima used her inheritance to build the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fes, which she developed into a university offering both religious and secular studies, making it one of the oldest universities in the world. The Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque and University still operate today.
Fatima was honored with the title “Mother of the Children” for her significant contributions to education and knowledge dissemination.
Balqis, the Queen of Sheba
The renowned Queen of Sheba, Balqis, lived in the first millennium BCE and is one of history’s most famous female figures.
She was known for her wisdom and wealth, with her story mentioned in religious texts like the Torah and the Quran. In the Quran, her story can be found in Surat An-Naml.
She ruled the Kingdom of Sheba (modern-day Yemen) with wisdom and strength. Upon receiving a message from Prophet Solomon, delivered by a hoopoe bird, she embraced the faith in God, abandoning sun worship.
Balqis demonstrated exceptional diplomatic skills, highlighting her political acumen and leadership. Her legacy endures as a symbol of wisdom and female leadership.
Shajarat al-Durr
Shajarat al-Durr was of Turkish or Armenian descent and lived in the 13th century. She was bought and later freed by Sultan Al-Salih Ayyub, whom she later married.
After his death in 1249, she became the Sultan of Egypt, demonstrating effective governance and leading resistance against the Seventh Crusade led by King Louis IX.
Her reign was brief, but she maintained political influence by marrying Izz al-Din Aybak. However, in 1257, Aybak ordered her assassination after she attempted to regain power.
Shajarat al-Durr remains a notable example of a woman who reached the pinnacle of power in a male-dominated era.
Khadījah bint Khuwaylid
Khadījah bint Khuwaylid is The Mother of Believers and the wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
She was born in Mecca in 555 AD and died there in 619 AD. She was one of the richest women in Mecca, known for her successful trade.
Khadījah played a key role in the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as she was the first to believe in him and the first to comfort him after he was visited by Gabriel (PBUH).
She gave birth to Al-Qasem and Abdullah, who died young before Islam, and had four daughters: Zainab, Ruqaiya, Fatima, and Umm Kulthum.
Her death profoundly affected Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Muslim community, marking that year as the Year of Sadness.
One of her most remembered statements to the Prophet was:
“By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you; You keep good relations with your kith and kin, tell the truth, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist the deserving calamity-afflicted ones.”
Aisha bint Abi Bakr
Aisha bint Abi Bakr was the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the dearest to his heart.
Born in Mecca in 604 AD and passing away in Medina in 678 AD, she embodied noble character traits, which she learned from the Prophet himself. She was known for her generosity and frequent acts of charity.
Aisha was highly knowledgeable in Islamic jurisprudence, the interpretation of the Quran, poetry, and the traditions of the Arabs.
She narrated 2,210 hadiths from Prophet Muhammad, making her one of the most significant transmitters of his teachings.
Due to his deep affection for her, the Prophet chose to spend his final days in her room, where he passed away and was buried.
Saniya Habboub
Saniya Habboub was the first Lebanese woman to graduate from a medical college in the United States. She was born in Beirut, Lebanon, in 1901 and passed away there in 1983.
After completing her secondary education in Beirut, she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor by enrolling in the Women’s Medical College of Pennsylvania in the United States, where she graduated in 1931.
Upon her return to Beirut, Saniya Habboub opened her own clinic, becoming a trailblazer in the field of medicine in Lebanon. She was not only a dedicated physician but also an active advocate for women’s rights, using her platform to empower women and improve their access to healthcare.
Her work significantly contributed to advancing women’s healthcare in Lebanon, leaving a lasting impact on her community and inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in medicine.
Lotfia Elnadi
Lotfia Elnadi was the first Egyptian and African woman to obtain a pilot’s license. She was born in Cairo, Egypt, in 1907 and passed away there in 2002.
Determined to pursue her passion for aviation, she enrolled in the aviation school in Cairo and managed to fund her studies by working as a receptionist at the airport while taking flying lessons in her spare time. Her perseverance paid off when she obtained her pilot’s license in 1933, making history as a trailblazer for women in aviation.
Lotfia didn’t stop there. She made numerous flights within Egypt, demonstrating her skill and passion for aviation. One of her most famous achievements was her solo flight from Cairo to Alexandria, which served as proof of her capability and proficiency in piloting.
Her talent was further recognized when she participated in an international aviation race in Egypt, where she secured first place, solidifying her reputation as an outstanding pilot.
Her groundbreaking achievements inspired countless women to pursue their dreams, breaking societal norms and challenging gender stereotypes. In 1996, her remarkable journey was immortalized in a documentary film titled Takeoff from the Sand, which detailed her struggles, determination, and triumphs.
Lotfia Elnadi remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and the limitless potential of women in the Arab world and beyond.
Zaha Hadid
Zaha Hadid was a globally renowned Iraqi-British architect, celebrated for her bold and innovative designs characterized by curved lines and unconventional geometric shapes.
She was born in Baghdad in 1950, and she passed away in Miami in 2016. She was a symbol of creativity and excellence in architecture and believed in the power of architecture to improve lives through innovative and practical designs.
She received numerous awards, including the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004, becoming the first woman to win it, the Order of the British Empire in 2012, and the RIBA Stirling Prize twice, in 2010 and 2011.
Some of her notable works include the MAXXI Museum in Rome, the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, the Vitra Fire Station in Germany, the Galaxy Soho in Beijing, the Sheikh Zayed Bridge in Abu Dhabi, and the Guangzhou Opera House in China.
[Include photos of her designs]
Zenobia, also known in Aramaic as Bat Zabbai, was born in 240 AD in Palmyra. She was one of the rare female rulers of the third century AD, taking over the Palmyrene Kingdom after the death of her husband, Odaenathus.
Renowned for her intelligence, wisdom, and courage, Zenobia led the Palmyrene armies in the conquest of Egypt and Asia Minor.
She was also a cultured and educated ruler, leaving a lasting cultural impact on the region she governed.
Zenobia died under mysterious circumstances after being captured by Emperor Aurelian.
Zenobia
Zenobia, also known in Aramaic as Bat Zabbai, was born in 240 AD in Palmyra. She was one of the rare female rulers of the third century AD, taking over the Palmyrene Kingdom after the death of her husband, Odaenathus.
Renowned for her intelligence, wisdom, and courage, Zenobia led the Palmyrene armies in the conquest of Egypt and Asia Minor.
She was also a cultured and educated ruler, leaving a lasting cultural impact on the region she governed.
Zenobia died under mysterious circumstances after being captured by Emperor Aurelian.
Honoring Arab Women’s Legacy
These inspiring Arab women remind us of the determination, intelligence, and leadership that countless Arab women have demonstrated throughout history.
Their stories represent just a fraction of the many untold tales of extraordinary Arab women who have made their mark over the centuries. They prove that women have always played a vital role in their communities, shaping societies and influencing the course of history.
This International Women’s Day, let’s celebrate their achievements, honor their enduring legacies, and draw motivation and inspiration from their remarkable lives.
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