Born: 1912 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
Died: 1981
Biography:
Corina (Cora) Eloísa Ratto de Sadosky (aka Cora Ratto, 1912–1981) was an Argentine mathematician, educator, and militant activist in support of human and women’s rights in Argentina and beyond. She played an important part in the Argentine University Federation, supporting republican interests during the Spanish Civil War and helping victims of Falangist oppression. In 1941, following the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union, she established and headed the anti-fascist Junta de la Victoria, which stood for democracy and women’s suffrage. In 1965, Ratto founded Columna 10, a journal denouncing the conduct of the United States in the Vietnam War. In the 1970s, she published a series of important mathematics textbooks.
Born in Buenos Aires on January 3, 1912, Corina (Cora) Eloísa Ratto was the daughter of Livio Benito Ratto and Francisca Butta. Brought up in a middle-class family of Italian origin, she showed early aptitude for mathematics. In the 1930s, she graduated in mathematics from the University of Buenos Aires. During her time as a student, Ratto played a major role in the Argentine student organization Federación Universitaria Argentina. She passionately supported republican interests during the Spanish Civil War and helped victims of Falangist oppression. She also denounced the Chaco War, highlighting that it had been triggered by British and American interests.
In 1937, Cora Ratto married the mathematician Manuel Sadosky, and together they had one child, Cora Sadosky, who would also become a prominent mathematician and later serve as the president of the Association for Women in Mathematics in the mid-1990s.
After the Nazis invaded the Soviet Union in World War II, Ratto established and headed the women’s organization La Junta de la Victoria (The Victory Union) in the early 1940s. The organization aimed to promote democracy and provide support for the anti-Nazi war effort, including clothing and food for the Allies. By 1945, it had grown to have around 50,000 members, making it the first significant women’s organization in South America. La Junta de la Victoria also fought for voting rights for women, encouraging its members to participate in the democratic process.
Following the end of the war, Ratto and her husband moved to Europe to continue their studies in France and Italy. However, they eventually returned to Argentina, which was in political turmoil at the time. Ratto worked in a commercial firm to support her family during this period.
In 1956, universities in Argentina regained their academic autonomy, and Ratto and her husband returned to join a team that built the modern school of science at the University of Buenos Aires. They contributed significantly to the development of mathematics education in the country.
In 1965, Cora Ratto founded Columna 10, a journal that fiercely criticized and denounced the conduct of the United States in the Vietnam War. Through her writing, Ratto aimed to raise awareness about the devastating impact of war and the importance of advocating for peace.
Throughout the 1970s, Ratto continued to make significant contributions to the field of mathematics. She published a series of important mathematics textbooks, furthering the knowledge and understanding of the subject in Argentina and beyond. Her work contributed to the advancement of mathematics education and inspired future generations of mathematicians.
Cora Ratto de Sadosky’s dedication to education, activism, and the pursuit of knowledge left a lasting impact on society. Her efforts in supporting human and women’s rights, advocating for democracy, and promoting peace in times of conflict highlight her remarkable commitment to creating a more just and equitable world.
Awards:
– List of official awards or recognitions received by Cora Ratto de Sadosky.