Born: 1806 (Satulung, Romania)
Died: 1862
Biography:
Countess Blanka Teleki de Szék (5 July 1806 – 23 October 1862) was a Hungarian noblewoman, educator, and women’s rights activist. She is regarded as an early feminist and pioneer in the education of females.
Blanka Teleki was born on 5 July 1806 in Satulung, which is now located in Romania. She was born into a noble family, with her father, Count Imre Teleki de Szék, and her mother, Countess Karoline Brunswick von Korompa. The family owned an estate in Satu Mare County near Ukraine. Blanka was fortunate to have been influenced by her aunt, Teréz Brunszvik, who was a pioneer in education.
Driven by her passion for learning, Blanka studied painting in Munich and Paris, and also honed her skills in sculpture under the guidance of István Ferenczy in Budapest. With her extensive knowledge and experience, she embarked on a mission to improve the education of women.
In 1846, Blanka Teleki founded her own school for girls in Budapest. This marked a significant milestone in her efforts to provide equal educational opportunities to women. She understood the importance of education in empowering women and believed that by providing them with the necessary knowledge and skills, they could contribute significantly to society.
In 1848, during the Revolution of 1848, Blanka Teleki and her pupils became the first females in Hungary to sign a petition demanding equal rights for both men and women. They advocated for women’s suffrage and the right for women to attend university. Their bold actions had a profound impact on the feminist movement in Hungary and inspired many women to take a stand for their rights.
Unfortunately, participating in the revolution led to consequences for Blanka Teleki. She was sentenced to imprisonment for her involvement. In 1851, she found herself imprisoned alongside Klára Leövey, another prominent female activist. While Klára Leövey was released in 1856, Blanka Teleki continued to serve her sentence.
Following her release, Blanka Teleki decided to leave Hungary and moved to Paris. She sought refuge in a city that provided more opportunities for women’s rights activism and continued her advocacy work. However, her time in Paris was cut short when she passed away on 23 October 1862.
Blanka Teleki’s dedication to the education and empowerment of women made her an influential figure in Hungarian society. Her efforts to establish a school for girls and her involvement in the feminist movement during a time of revolution showcase her unwavering commitment to women’s rights. Through her progressive ideas and actions, she paved the way for future generations of women to fight for equality.