Trailblazing Women: Untold Stories of Lebanese Peddlers Defying Gender Norms

In the late 19th century, Syrian and Lebanese immigrant women in various host countries actively participated in the pack peddling trade. Despite encountering criticism from within their immigrant community and religious authorities, as well as enduring xenophobic prejudice from American society, these women independently engaged in peddling, contributing significantly to their families' incomes and social mobility. Amidst these challenges, peddling provided these women with economic empowerment, leading to a redefinition of traditional gender roles and fostering emancipation. Peddling was not merely a means of livelihood for these pioneering women; it represented a fundamental aspect of their way of life. As we celebrate International Women's Day 2024, this poster pays tribute to the women peddlers whose voices have yet to be fully heard and whose stories remain not fully told.