Born: 1831 (Turnovo, Bulgaria)
Died: 1885
Biography:
Eugenia Kisimova (Bulgarian: Евгения Кисимова) (1831–1885) was a Bulgarian feminist, philanthropist, and women’s rights activist. She dedicated her life to empowering women and promoting equal educational opportunities. Kisimova was the founder and president of the Bulgarian women’s movement organization Женска община in 1869, making significant contributions to the advancement of women’s rights in Bulgaria.
Eugenia Kisimova was born in Turnovo, Bulgaria, as the daughter of the wealthy merchant Hadji Georgi Kisimov. She came from a prominent family, with her brother Pandeli Kisimov being an influential educator and cultural figure, and her sister Maria marrying the renowned doctor and archaeologist Vasil Beron. Kisimova received her education in a school for girls.
During the 1850s, Kisimova began advocating for women’s active participation in society, challenging the traditional role of women confined to the home. As a member of the influential Kisimov family, she had connections with esteemed figures in the cultural and intellectual realms, including Vasil Cholakov, Petko Gorbanov, Petko Slavejkov, Zachary Princely, and Stoyan Robovski.
Kisimova’s pivotal contribution took place in 1869 when she founded the first women’s organization in Bulgaria, Женска община. She was elected as its first president, spearheading the movement for women’s education and empowerment. The primary objective of the organization was to provide education for women. Using the funds raised, Kisimova established schools for girls in Turnovo and the surrounding areas, ensuring access to education for girls who previously had limited opportunities.
In addition to schools, the association also initiated Sunday schools in 1870. Furthermore, Kisimova’s organization offered scholarships to Bulgarian women, enabling them to pursue higher education abroad, particularly in Russia and Romania. Many pioneering Bulgarian women benefitted from the association’s financial support, including Eugenia Shekerdzhieva, who studied in Russia between 1876 and 1879.
Kisimova’s contributions extended beyond education. During the Russian-Turkish War (1877-1878), she organized Милосърдие, a fundraising initiative aimed at providing medical care to the wounded and assisting war refugees. Kisimova demonstrated her profound dedication to humanitarian efforts and the well-being of her fellow countrymen.
Being at the forefront of the Bulgarian women’s movement, Eugenia Kisimova left an indelible mark on Bulgarian society. Her tireless efforts in advocating for women’s rights, establishing educational opportunities, and her commitment to philanthropy significantly influenced the trajectory of women’s empowerment.