Born: 1884 (Kassa, Abaúj County, Hungary)
Died: 1974
Margit Slachta (or Schlachta, September 18, 1884 – January 6, 1974) was a Hungarian nun, social activist, politician, and member of parliament of the Kingdom of Hungary. In 1920, she became the first woman to be elected to the Diet of Hungary and in 1923, she founded the Sisters of Social Service, a Roman Catholic religious institute of women.
Margit Slachta was born in Kassa, Abaúj County, Hungary in 1884. At a young age, she and her parents briefly lived in the United States before returning to Hungary. Margit received her education at a Catholic school in Budapest, where she trained as a French and German language teacher.
Recognizing the importance of women’s rights, Slachta became a champion of human rights and established the Union of Catholic Women, an organization dedicated to promoting female suffrage in Hungary. Her efforts in advocating for women’s rights led to her historic election to the Hungarian diet in 1920, making her the first woman to hold such a position in the country.
In 1908, Margit Slachta joined the Society of the Social Mission, a religious community committed to addressing social issues. However, she felt the need to create a new religious institute that could focus specifically on social work. In 1923, she founded the Sisters of Social Service, a community of women dedicated to serving others and addressing the needs of society. This institute gained recognition throughout Hungary for their work in nursing, midwifery, and orphanage services.
Under Slachta’s leadership, the Sisters of Social Service opened professional schools for social work in Budapest and Cluj, where students could receive training to join the religious community or an affiliated lay association. This educational institution played a crucial role in preparing individuals to carry on Slachta’s mission of social service and advocacy.
During a dark period in Hungarian history, Slachta demonstrated incredible courage and resilience. In 1938, when the first anti-Jewish laws were enacted in Hungary, she used her newspaper Voice of the Spirit to publish articles opposing these measures. Despite facing government suppression and censorship, Slachta continued to publish the newspaper underground, determined to defend the rights and dignity of the Jewish community.
As Hungary joined the Axis Powers in 1940, Slachta responded immediately to reports of the displacement of Jews. She wrote to the parish priest in Körösmező, urging him to inquire about their welfare. Her efforts seemed to have an impact, as a telegram from the Ministry of Defense ordered the release of detained Jews and their return to Csíkszereda, the same day as the date on Slachta’s letter to the priest.
In addition to her rescue and relief efforts, Slachta also emphasized the important contribution of Protestant churches in post-World War II rescue efforts. She firmly believed in the power of love and Christian values, advocating for the acceptance of natural laws and the protection of all individuals, without exception.
Margit Slachta’s dedication to social justice and her unwavering religious convictions made her a powerful force in Hungarian society. Her continuous efforts to shelter the persecuted, protest forced labor and anti-Semitic laws, and advocate for the rights of all individuals left an indelible mark on Hungarian history.
Throughout her lifetime, Margit Slachta received numerous awards and recognitions for her extraordinary contributions. These include (but are not limited to):
– [List any official awards or recognitions received by Margit Slachta here]
Margit Slachta’s legacy continues to inspire generations of women and social activists. Her pioneering role in Hungarian politics and the establishment of the Sisters of Social Service have solidified her position as a monumental figure in women’s history. She remains a shining example of courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the pursuit of social justice.