Born: 1857 (Stranda, Møre og Romsdal, Norway)
Died: 1944
Biography:
Aadel Lampe (10 May 1857 – 8 September 1944) was a Norwegian women’s rights leader, liberal politician, teacher for deaf children, and suffragist in the late 19th and early 20th century. Lampe played a crucial role in advocating for gender equality and improving the lives of women in Norway.
Born in Stranda, Møre og Romsdal, Norway, Aadel Lampe was the daughter of Claus Ernst Lampe, a parish priest. Her upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of justice and a desire to fight for the rights of others. Lampe’s education laid the foundation for her future accomplishments. She graduated as a teacher from the prestigious Nissen Higher School for Young Women in Kristiania (now Oslo).
After completing her education, Lampe embarked on her teaching career. She initially worked at Nissen’s Girls’ School and later became a teacher at Hedevig Rosing’s skole, a school for deaf children in Kristiania. Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, as she dedicated her efforts to improving the lives of underserved communities.
Lampe’s involvement in the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights marked a turning point in her life. She joined the organization’s board in 1895 and served as its vice president during the terms of Fredrikke Marie Qvam and Randi Blehr, who held the presidency. In 1922, Lampe was elected as the president of the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights, a position she held until 1926. During her tenure, she fought tirelessly for gender equality, advocating for women’s suffrage, increased opportunities for education and employment, and equal rights under the law.
Lampe’s commitment to political change went beyond her work within the women’s rights movement. Initially a member of the Liberal Party, she later joined the conservative-liberal Free-minded Liberal Party. In this capacity, Lampe served as a deputy member of the party’s national executive and as a board member of the party’s women’s association.
In the 1921 parliamentary election, Lampe made history by becoming one of the first women elected to the Storting, the Norwegian parliament, as a deputy member. Representing the constituency of Christiania (now Oslo) on an electoral list formed by the Free-minded Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, Lampe served from 1922 to 1924. Her election was a significant milestone in the journey towards gender equality, as she was one of five women elected to the parliament.
Throughout her life, Aadel Lampe proved to be a dedicated advocate and leader in the struggle for women’s rights. Her accomplishments paved the way for future generations of women in Norway to participate in politics and pursue their aspirations. Lampe’s legacy as a trailblazer and champion of gender equality endures, making her an important figure in Norwegian history and women’s history worldwide.