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Historical Figure

Alice Kandaleft Cosma

Ottoman

Alice Kandaleft Cosma was a Syrian diplomat and women's rights activist. She is recognized for being a delegate to the first session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 1947. She was also the first Arab woman to represent Syria at the United Nations following Syria's independence in 1946. Her work in advocating for female political and educational rights in Syria led to some notable endeavors: founding a Damascus-based literary salon, assisting in the creation of the Arab Women's National League, and touring across educational institutes in the United States as an Arab educator who was vouched for by the Syrian government.

Connection to Damascus

Born in Damascus; founded a Damascus-based literary salon in 1942.

Known for

First Arab woman to represent Syria at the UN; delegate to the first CSW session.

Lifespan

c. 1895 – c. 1965

Biography

Alice Kandaleft Cosma was a Syrian diplomat and women's rights activist. She is recognized for being a delegate to the first session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in 1947. She was also the first Arab woman to represent Syria at the United Nations following Syria's independence in 1946. Her work in advocating for female political and educational rights in Syria led to some notable endeavors: founding a Damascus-based literary salon, assisting in the creation of the Arab Women's National League, and touring across educational institutes in the United States as an Arab educator who was vouched for by the Syrian government.