Born: September 10, 1853 (Karlskrona, Blekinge County, Sweden)
Biography:
Gertrud Virginia Adelborg was a Swedish teacher, feminist, and a prominent figure in the women’s rights movement. She was born on September 10, 1853, in Karlskrona, Blekinge County, Sweden. Her father, Bror Jacob Adelborg, was a Naval Captain and nobleman, and her mother, Hedvig Catharina af Uhr, was a homemaker. Gertrud had two sisters, Ottilia Adelborg, a book illustrator, and Maria Adelborg, a textile artist.
Gertrud received her education from a governess at home and attended girls’ schools. She worked as a teacher from 1874 to 1879 and later served at the Svea Court of Appeal from 1881 to 1883. It was during her time as a teacher that Adelborg became involved in the Swedish women’s movement and the fight for women’s suffrage.
From 1884 to 1907, Adelborg worked for the bureau of the Fredrika Bremer Association (FBF), an organization dedicated to women’s rights. In 1886, she became the chairperson of the Stockholm chapter of FBF and remained an active member of the central committee from 1897 to 1915. Adelborg played a crucial role in the women’s movement by initiating the FBF Country School for Women at Rimforsa in Östergötland. She served on the school board from 1907 to 1921 and contributed significantly to the advancement of women’s education.
In 1899, Adelborg, along with Agda Montelius, presented a petition for women’s suffrage to Prime Minister Erik Gustaf Boström. This historic event marked the first official demand for suffrage by the Swedish women’s movement. Adelborg continued her advocacy work by becoming a member of the central committee in the National Association for Women’s Suffrage from 1903 to 1906.
In 1907, Adelborg led the LKPR delegation, which presented their demand for suffrage directly to King Oscar II of Sweden. She reminded the monarch of the reforms passed by his father, King Oscar I, and expressed hope for his support. While King Oscar II showed interest, he acknowledged his limited power as a constitutional monarch. However, Adelborg’s efforts were instrumental in raising awareness and garnering support for women’s suffrage in Sweden.
Throughout her career, Adelborg played a significant role in the women’s suffrage movement. She took on secretarial tasks, conducted investigations, organized the movement’s work, and authored various publications and manifestos. Her commitment to the cause and her influential behind-the-scenes work were vital in bringing about significant changes for women’s rights in Sweden.
In her later years, Gertrud Adelborg retired to Gagnef in Dalarna County. She lived a peaceful life in seclusion, reflecting on her contributions to the women’s rights movement. For her remarkable efforts and dedication, Adelborg was honored with the Swedish Royal Medal of Illis Quorum.
Awards:
– Swedish Royal Medal of Illis Quorum.