[6] In 1919, Abid founded Nur al-Fayha' (Light of Damascus) society and magazine, and later, in 1922, a school of the same name which offered English and sewing courses for young girl orphans of the war dead.

[5][3]: 61 As the head of a women's delegation to the King-Crane Commission, Abid spoke to American diplomats without a veil to signal her intention for a secular rule of Syria, and to testify against the French mandate for occupation.

Despite being exiled by the French government after the defeat of the Syrian Army, Abid was hailed domestically as the Joan of Arc of Syria.

[7] As the first woman general in Syria, she was photographed in military uniform and without a hijab, but returned to wearing a veil after outcry from conservatives.

[5]: 128 The French government granted her amnesty in 1921, and Abid returned to Syria on the condition that she avoid politics.