Born: 1876 (Hermeziu, Moldavia Region, Romania)
Died: 1948
Biography:
Ella Negruzzi (1876–1948) was a Romanian lawyer and women’s rights activist, and the first female lawyer in Romania (1913). She was a co-founder of the women’s organization Association for the Civil and Political Emancipation of Romanian Women (1917), the Group of Democratic Lawyers (1935), and the Women’s Front (1936).
Early life
Ella Negruzzi was born on September 11, 1876, in Hermeziu, in the Moldavia Region of the recently formed country of Romania. Her father, Leon C. Negruzzi, was a well-known writer, while her uncle, Iacob Negruzzi, was also a writer and twice served as president of the Romanian Academy. Her grandfather, Constantin Negruzzi, had served as the mayor of Iași. Growing up, Ella Negruzzi was surrounded by prominent men, and her brother, Mihai, would later become a general in the Romanian army.
Negruzzi attended primary school in Iași and then went on to complete her secondary education at the Externatul Girls school, now known as Mihai Eminescu College. After her father’s death, her uncle Iacob took on the responsibility of ensuring her and her brother’s education. She continued her studies at the University of Iași, focusing on history, law, and philosophy.
Struggles and Achievements
In 1913, Negruzzi made history by becoming the first woman to attempt to register for the bar examination in Iași. Unfortunately, her request was rejected based on the prevailing belief that women were not allowed to participate in public life or practice law. Undeterred, Negruzzi decided to try again in Galați. She received the support of Corneliu Botez, a prominent local attorney, but was once again denied admission.
Determined to fight for women’s rights, Negruzzi and other feminists, including Elena Meissner, submitted a petition to the Senate in 1917, demanding civil and political rights for women. However, their efforts were met with rejection. Not one to give up, Negruzzi went on to co-found the Association for the Civil and Political Emancipation of Romanian Women (AECPFR) in 1918. The association campaigned for women’s participation in civil society, advocating for education, employment, and political rights for women.
It was only in 1919, six years after her initial attempt, that Negruzzi was finally allowed to take the bar examination. She applied in Ilfov County at Bucharest and successfully passed the exam, becoming the first woman in Romania to practice law. This achievement not only opened doors for Negruzzi but also paved the way for future generations of women in the legal profession.
Career and Activism
Following the successful completion of her legal training, Negruzzi began her law practice in Galați before moving to Bucharest. Throughout her career, she remained dedicated to feminist causes and advocacy. During the interwar period, she and Elena Meissner emerged as the leading figures of AECPFR. Negruzzi used her position as a lawyer to fight against the limits on women’s participation, focusing on issues like restricted job opportunities and the barriers that hindered their social and political involvement.
In addition to her activism, Negruzzi became a prolific writer, addressing the obstacles that limited women’s participation and advocating for their rights. Her work contributed to the growing feminist movement in Romania, raising awareness and inspiring others to fight for gender equality.
Ella Negruzzi’s lifelong dedication to women’s rights left a lasting impact on Romanian society. As the first female lawyer in the country, she challenged and ultimately changed the discriminatory attitudes towards women’s legal and social standing. Negruzzi’s achievements continue to inspire women in Romania and beyond to strive for equal rights and opportunities.