Born: January 4, 1840 (Frederikseg, Herlufmagle Sogn, Næstved Municipality, Denmark)
Died: March 4, 1934 (Copenhagen, Denmark)
Biography:
Pauline Matilde Theodora Bajer, better known as Matilde Bajer, was a prominent Danish women’s rights activist and pacifist. Born on January 4, 1840, in Frederikseg, Herlufmagle Sogn, Næstved Municipality, Denmark, she grew up in a society where women were largely marginalized and denied equal rights. However, Matilde Bajer defied societal norms and dedicated her life to fighting for gender equality and peace.
From a young age, Bajer recognized the injustices faced by women and firmly believed in their right to be treated as equals in all aspects of society. She married Fredrik Bajer, whom she had known since adolescence, and together, they became a formidable force in the fight for women’s rights. Matilde convinced her husband to embrace the cause, and they actively worked towards creating a more equitable society.
In 1871, Bajer played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Danish Women’s Society (Dansk Kvindesamfund). She served as the chairperson for a short period and worked tirelessly to advocate for women’s suffrage. Recognizing that political activism was necessary to achieve their goals, she co-founded the political wing of the Women’s Progress Association (Kvindelig Fremskridtsforening) in 1885. This organization fought tirelessly for women’s right to vote, eventually succeeding in 1915.
Matilde Bajer’s advocacy was not limited to women’s rights alone. She actively participated in the Danish Peace Society (Dansk Fredsforening), a pacifist organization committed to promoting peace and disarmament. Bajer and her husband supported each other in their respective endeavors and shared a deep commitment to working towards a more peaceful world.
In 1888, Matilde Bajer crossed paths with Priscilla Hannah Peckover, an influential English Quaker and pacifist. They met at a Nordic Women’s meeting, and Peckover was so impressed by Bajer’s dedication to peace that she offered to cover her expenses to enable her participation in international peace meetings. This event highlights the international recognition and respect Matilde Bajer commanded for her tireless efforts.
Matilde Bajer’s unwavering dedication to the causes of women’s rights and peace continued until her death on March 4, 1934, in Copenhagen. Her legacy as a trailblazing feminist and pacifist lives on, inspiring generations of women to fight for equality and peace.