Born: 1847 (Flakstad, Lofoten)
Died: 1916
Biography:
Jørgine Anna Sverdrup Gina Krog (20 June 1847 – 14 April 1916) was a Norwegian suffragist, teacher, liberal politician, writer, and editor, and a major figure in liberal feminism in Scandinavia. She played a central role in the Norwegian liberal women’s rights movement from the 1880s until her death, notably as a leading campaigner for women’s right to vote.
Gina Krog was born on 20 June 1847 in Flakstad, Lofoten, as the daughter of parish priest Jørgen Sverdrup Krog and Ingeborg Anna Dass Brinchmann. After her father’s early death, Krog lived with her mother in Karmøy until she was eight years old, and then moved to Christiania (now Oslo). In Christiania, she attended a school for girls. As a young adult, she worked as a teacher in private schools for several years, continuing to improve her knowledge of languages and literature through self-study.
In the late 1880s, Krog co-founded the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights with liberal MP Hagbart Berner. This marked the beginning of her extensive involvement in the women’s rights movement. Over the next two decades, Krog went on to co-found the Women’s Voting Association, the National Association for Women’s Suffrage, and the Norwegian National Women’s Council. She played a pivotal role in presenting women’s suffrage proposals to the Storting (the Norwegian parliament).
Krog was a tireless advocate for women’s rights and used her platform to write articles and deliver speeches both domestically and internationally. She traveled throughout Europe and North America to attend international women’s rights conferences, further spreading awareness about the cause. Krog also served as the editor of the Norwegian feminist periodical Nylænde (New Land) from 1887 until her death in 1916. Through her influential writing, she championed equality and fought for the rights of women.
Inspired by the American liberal women’s rights movement spearheaded by Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Krog was an unapologetic liberal progressive in her time. She firmly believed in the full and equal voting rights for all women on the same conditions as men. This put her at odds with more moderate members of the Norwegian women’s movement who advocated for narrower approaches, focusing first on enfranchising privileged women.
Despite facing opposition, Krog’s perseverance paid off. In 1910, the Storting granted universal voting rights to women for municipal elections, and this was extended to general elections in 1913. This marked a significant milestone in the women’s rights movement, and Krog’s relentless efforts contributed greatly to its success.
Gina Krog’s contributions to the women’s rights movement were widely recognized and admired. She was the first woman in Norway to receive a state funeral, a testament to the impact she had on society. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower women to this day. In honor of her achievements, the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights established the biennial Gina Krog Prize in 2009, which recognizes feminist advocates who follow in her footsteps.