Born: 24 August 1841 (Stockholm, Sweden)
Died: 21 December 1924
Biography:
Anna Wilhelmina Hierta-Retzius, née Hierta (24 August 1841 – 21 December 1924), was a prominent Swedish women’s rights activist and philanthropist. Throughout her life, she dedicated herself to advocating for women’s rights, educational reform, and social justice.
Born in Stockholm, Anna Hierta-Retzius was the daughter of Lars Johan Hierta, the founder of Aftonbladet, and Wilhelmina Fröding. Growing up in an intellectual environment, her father’s progressive newspaper attracted artists, writers, and politicians to their home, shaping her worldview. Anna’s mother, a philanthropist, and her father, a believer in gender equality, both influenced her passion for social reform.
Educated at the Lärokursen för fruntimmer (Learning Courses for Women) from 1859 to 1861, Anna became one of the first Swedish women to receive a thorough education in the natural sciences. Her education sparked a desire to effect change and work towards gender equality.
After completing her studies, Anna Hierta-Retzius became a teacher at a Sunday school opened by Sophie Adlersparre in 1862. In 1864, she founded her own evening school, Torsdagsskolan, focused on providing education to working-class women. At Torsdagsskolan, Anna taught crucial subjects such as reading, writing, natural sciences, history, geography, and needlework. This institution became a place of learning, empowerment, and personal development for many young women.
Anna also established a library and bank for women, further emphasizing the importance of education and financial independence. As a co-founder of the Stockholm Reading Parlor, along with Sophie Adlersparre and Fredrika Limnell, Anna facilitated a space where women could engage with literature and expand their horizons.
Seeking to improve her knowledge and expand her network, Anna visited Jules Simon’s women’s college in Paris in 1869. This visit greatly influenced her ideas about educational reform and solidified her commitment to promoting equal access to education for all.
In 1873, Anna Hierta-Retzius co-founded the Married Woman’s Property Rights Association, where she served as secretary. This organization fought for women’s right to control their property and earnings within marriage. Through her work, Anna sought to challenge the prevailing legal and social norms that disadvantaged married women.
She was also active in the Bikupan association, serving on its board from 1870 to 1887. Anna played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and welfare of single mothers and their children through her involvement in this organization.
Anna Hierta-Retzius’s dedication to social issues extended beyond Sweden. She became a co-worker at Aftonbladet, working towards social reform from within the influential newspaper. She also founded the Adolf Fredrik Work House for Children in 1887, further demonstrating her commitment to protecting and improving the lives of society’s most vulnerable members.
In 1889, Anna assumed the role of chairperson of the central committee of the Stockholm workhouses. This position allowed her to make significant contributions towards improving the conditions and rights of the poor and disadvantaged.
Anna’s influential role in women’s rights activism continued as she served as the chairperson of the Swedish National Council of Women from 1899 to 1911. Under her leadership, the council worked tirelessly to advocate for women’s suffrage, improved working conditions, and greater gender equality.
Furthermore, Anna Hierta-Retzius made her mark on the international stage as vice chairperson of the International Council of Women from 1904 to 1909. Through this role, she collaborated with women from different countries, sharing ideas and experiences to further the cause of women’s rights globally.
Anna Hierta-Retzius’s pursuit of women’s rights and social justice was tempered by her philanthropic endeavors. She served on the board of the Stiftelsen Lars Hiertas Minne (The Memorial Foundation of Lars Hierta) from 1878 to 1911, and she became the foundation’s vice chairperson from 1911 to 1924. Her involvement with this organization showcases her commitment to supporting cultural, scientific, and charitable causes.
Anna Hierta-Retzius was a trailblazer whose tireless efforts greatly influenced Swedish society. She fought for women’s rights, educational reform, and better living conditions for the marginalized. Her unwavering dedication to her beliefs left a lasting impact on the people she sought to uplift, making her a significant figure in Swedish history.