Born: September 9, 1883 (Šlavėnai, Anykščiai Parish, Russian Empire)
Died: December 29, 1949
Biography:
Ona Mašiotienė née Brazauskaitė (Polish: Anna Brzozowska; 9 September 1883 – 29 December 1949) was a Lithuanian teacher, principal, women’s rights activist, and writer. She played a significant role in advocating for women’s rights and promoting Lithuania’s independence during the early 20th century. Mašiotienė was dedicated to ensuring equality between men and women and utilized her positions in various societies and political conferences to advocate for these causes.
Born on September 9, 1883, in the village of Šlavėnai in the Anykščiai Parish of the Russian Empire, Mašiotienė came from a noble family. Her parents, Jadwiga (née Michalowska) and Gustavas Brazauskas, had opposing views on national identity, with some family members identifying as Lithuanian and others as Polish. Despite this division, Mašiotienė’s family faced the challenges of Russian rule and actively worked towards a unified Lithuanian and Polish state. Her father, Gustavas, even engaged in resistance activities during the 1863 uprising against Russian rule.
Mašiotienė’s passion for education led her to graduate with distinction from Kaunas Girls’ High School around 1900. Although her parents initially disapproved of women’s higher education, an aunt stepped in to finance her studies in Moscow. In Moscow, Mašiotienė enrolled in natural sciences courses at the Moscow Higher Courses for Women. During her time in Moscow, she became involved in the Lithuanian Student Society and developed an interest in the women’s movements taking place in Western Europe.
Inspired by the progress made by women’s organizations in Western Europe, Mašiotienė co-founded the Lithuanian Women’s Association (Lietuvos moterų susivienijimas) in September 1905. She then attended the second Congress of the All-Russian Union for Women’s Equality as a delegate. Later that year, Mašiotienė returned to Lithuania and participated in the Great Seimas of Vilnius, an assembly that aimed to advocate for Lithuania’s independence from the Russian Empire.
Mašiotienė continued to be actively involved in the women’s rights movement and served as a member of various societies. She played a crucial role in organizing the first Lithuanian-language girls’ gymnasium in Vilnius and served as the principal of a secondary school in Kaunas for over a decade. In 1921, she was elected to serve on the Utena regional council for two terms. Additionally, Mašiotienė was one of the co-founders and the first president of the Lithuanian Women’s Council.
Throughout her life, Mašiotienė was recognized for her contributions to society and her dedication to women’s rights. The independent Lithuanian government honored her with national awards. However, her activism and political involvement led to her dismissal from her teaching post when the Soviets regained control over Lithuania.
Ona Mašiotienė’s legacy lives on as a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights in Lithuania. Her dedication to education, equality, and Lithuania’s independence continues to inspire future generations.
Awards:
– National awards from the independent Lithuanian government (specific awards not mentioned in available data).