Born: 1873 (Stockholm, Sweden)
Died: 1967
Biography:
Ellen Helga Louise Hagen (née Wadström; 1873–1967) was a prominent Swedish suffragette, women’s rights activist, and politician. She dedicated her life to fighting for equality and social justice for women, leaving a lasting impact on Swedish society. Hagen played a pivotal role in the women’s suffrage movement, serving as a member of the National Association for Women’s Suffrage and advocating for women’s right to vote.
Born on September 15, 1873, in Stockholm, Sweden, Ellen Hagen came from a distinguished family. Her father, Bernhard Wadström, was a respected priest and writer, while her mother, Helga Westdahl, provided a nurturing foundation for Hagen’s future endeavors. Hagen grew up alongside her sister, Frida Stéenhoff, who would also become a well-known writer. This supportive environment instilled in Hagen a strong sense of purpose and a drive to make a difference.
In 1896, Hagen married Roger Hagen, the governor of Gävleborg county. Together, they had a son named Tord Hagen, who would later become an ambassador. Despite her responsibilities as a wife and mother, Hagen actively participated in the Country Association for Women’s Suffrage as a speaker. Her eloquence and persuasive skills drew support from the upper class, effectively challenging the stereotypical image of suffragettes.
Hagen’s efforts, combined with the tireless work of countless activists, led to a significant victory in 1919 when women in Sweden were granted the right to vote. This achievement marked a turning point in Swedish history and laid the foundation for greater gender equality in politics and society.
Tragedy struck in 1922 when Hagen’s spouse passed away, leaving her a young widow. Despite her personal loss, Hagen continued to contribute to the feminist movement. In 1923, she took on the role of the launching editor for Tidevarvet, a groundbreaking Swedish liberal feminist magazine. Through this platform, Hagen aimed to amplify the voices of women and address critical issues facing women’s rights.
Hagen’s influence extended beyond the borders of Sweden. During the 1920s and 1930s, she became internationally active in peace work, advocating for global harmony. In 1931, she served as the Swedish delegate at the international peace conference in Paris, representing Sweden’s commitment to peaceful resolution and diplomacy.
Notably, Hagen held prominent leadership positions within women’s organizations. From 1936 to 1963, she served as the chairperson of Svenska Kvinnors Medborgarförbund (Swedish Women’s Citizen Society), championing women’s rights and empowering women from all walks of life. Additionally, Hagen served as the chairperson of Liberala kvinnor (Liberal Women) from 1938 to 1946, further advancing the feminist agenda within the political arena.
Ellen Hagen’s dedication to women’s empowerment paved the way for future generations of Swedish women, solidifying her place in women’s history. Through her tireless activism, she exemplified resilience and determination, inspiring countless individuals to fight for gender equality and social justice.