Born: 1929 (Hasbayeh, Lebanon)
Died: 1997
Biography:
Laure Moghaizel (1929–1997) was a Lebanese attorney and prominent women’s rights advocate. She was known for her tireless efforts in fighting for gender equality and empowering women in Lebanon. Throughout her life, Moghaizel made significant contributions to society through her work in the legal field, her involvement in various organizations, and her unwavering dedication to promoting women’s rights.
Moghaizel was born on April 21, 1929, in Hasbayeh, Lebanon, to Labiba Saab and Nassib Salim Nasr. Growing up, she lived in different cities, including Jounieh, Aley, and Baalbeck, due to her father’s work as a high-ranking police officer. This constant relocation allowed her to gain exposure to different cultures and communities, nurturing her open-mindedness and understanding of diverse perspectives. Moghaizel embraced this multicultural upbringing and quickly became fluent in English, French, and Arabic.
Raised in a progressive household, Moghaizel’s parents encouraged her and her siblings to pursue their education to the fullest extent. Her mother, Labiba Saab, specifically played a crucial role in nurturing her intellectual curiosity and motivating her to excel academically. Moghaizel completed her secondary education at Aley National School, where she received a secular and progressive Arab education. She then continued her studies at the prestigious Besançon school in Beirut (College des Soeurs de la Charite), renowned for its academic excellence at the time. Later, she pursued a degree in philosophy in Arabic at Saint Joseph University’s Institute of Oriental Studies, followed by a law degree.
In law school, Moghaizel was one of the only three women in her class of 100 men, reflecting the gender disparities prevalent in the legal profession during that time. It was during her first year of law school in 1949 that Moghaizel started to meet other like-minded women who were also passionate about advancing women’s rights in Lebanon. Among them were Laure Tabet, Mirvat Ibrahim, and Najla Saab. These inspiring women became influential figures in Moghaizel’s journey towards activism and societal transformation.
Moghaizel’s commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s rights gained momentum in the early years of her adulthood. She actively participated in the feminist movement and chose a career in the public sector to contribute to social change. Moghaizel dedicated her life to advocating for women’s rights and the intersection of law and women’s issues.
Throughout her career, Moghaizel played an instrumental role in the advancement of women’s rights in Lebanon. Her work as an attorney allowed her to challenge discriminatory legislation and advocate for legal reforms that aimed to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women. She also actively engaged in activism, joining organizations such as the Democratic Party of Lebanon, the Lebanese Association for Human Rights, and Bahithat (Lebanese Women Researchers), of which she was a founding member. Moghaizel’s efforts were recognized and honored when she received the National Order of the Cedar (commander), which acknowledged her many years of social and public service.
Laure Moghaizel’s contributions to society and her unwavering dedication to women’s rights continue to have a lasting impact on Lebanese society. Her relentless pursuit of gender equality and her tireless advocacy for women’s empowerment make her a true pioneer and an inspiration for future generations.
Awards:
– National Order of the Cedar (Commander)