Born: 1918 (Cairo, Egypt)
Died: 1998
Biography:
Rabab Al-Kadhimi (also spelled Rabāb al-Kāẓimī or Rabab Al-Kazimi) was a significant figure in Iraqi literature, renowned as a feminist poet and dental surgeon. Born on July 30, 1918, in Cairo, Egypt, she made significant contributions to women’s poetry and left a lasting impact on the literary scene. Al-Kadhimi’s life was marked by her dedication to her craft, her advocacy for women’s rights, and her pursuit of education and professional success.
Rabab Al-Kadhimi was the daughter of the esteemed Iraqi poet, Abd al-Muhsin al-Kadhimi. Her father, recognizing her potential in the field of poetry, encouraged her passion from an early age. As a result, she began publishing her works in Egyptian periodicals during the 1920s and 1930s, gaining recognition for her literary talents. However, her politically charged writings drew the attention of Egyptian authorities, and both she and her father faced deportation threats.
Tragedy struck Al-Kadhimi’s life when her mother, Aisha, passed away when she was only ten years old. Despite this loss, she persevered in her pursuit of education and poetry. At the age of eighteen, following her father’s death, she was invited to Iraq to attend a memorial ceremony dedicated to his life and works. This experience exposed her to her ancestral roots and sparked a strong connection to her homeland.
After completing her education at the Princess Fawzia School in Egypt in 1936, sponsored by the Iraqi Ministry of Education, Al-Kadhimi married Hikmat Chadirji and became a mother. However, her thirst for knowledge and desire for professional growth led her to return to education in 1950, this time to study dentistry. She pursued specialized training in pediatric dentistry at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C.
Following their time in the United States, Al-Kadhimi and her husband returned to Iraq, where he took up a position in the Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Meanwhile, she continued to pursue her dental career and, by 1956, was appointed the Head of Dentistry at a hospital in Baghdad. Her dedication to her profession and her desire to improve the lives of others through healthcare were evident in her work.
Throughout her life, Al-Kadhimi showcased her unwavering support for women’s rights and used her writing to draw attention to gender-related issues. She fearlessly expressed her frustrations, exemplified by the lines, My act of writing is my wound, and my crime is my knowledge. Her literary contributions highlighted the struggles and experiences of women, elevating their voices and shedding light on their societal challenges.
Al-Kadhimi’s impact on Iraqi literature cannot be overstated. Widely regarded as a pioneer of Iraqi women’s poetry, she left an indelible mark on the literary landscape. Her works, published as early as 1969, continue to inspire generations of poets. Furthermore, her dedication to feminism serves as a testament to her resilience and commitment to the empowerment of women.
Rabab Al-Kadhimi passed away in 1998, leaving behind a legacy of artistic brilliance and advocacy for women’s rights. Her contributions to literature and women’s history continue to be celebrated, ensuring that her name and the significance of her work are not forgotten.