Layla : first Iraqi women’s magazine (1923-1925)
Layla was the first women’s magazine to be published in Iraq. Launched in 1923, the magazine dealt with new and useful matters related to science, art, literature, sociology, and in particular to child-rearing and the education of girls, family health, and other matters pertaining to home economics.
One of the most important articles to appear in the magazine was the editorial, printed in Issue 6 on May 15, 1924, addressed to the Constituent Iraqi Assembly, asking it to grant women their rights. Layla published only 20 issues. Its last issue, dated August 15, 1925, included a sad article explaining to readers the magazine’s difficult financial situation. Soon thereafter, owner Paulina Hassoun left Iraq and the magazine ceased publication.
It is now available online on the World Digital Library website: http://tinyurl.com/nbyce3s