Born: 1879 (Veliko Tarnovo)
Died: 1946
Biography:
Sofia Danova (née Simeonova; born 1879 in Veliko Tarnovo; died 1946) was a Bulgarian philanthropist, educator, and publisher. She was the first Bulgarian woman to graduate in mathematics.
Sofia Danova’s father had been a Russian feldsher in the Russo-Turkish War (1877–1878) and settled in Bulgaria when he met his future wife. Sofia had a sister named Olya. She completed her education at the Metropolitan Clement Girls’ High School in Veliko Tarnovo before pursuing higher studies in Russia. Sofia went to the Saint Petersburg State Institute of Technology, where she earned a degree in mathematics.
After returning to Bulgaria, Sofia started teaching mathematics at the Plovdiv Girls’ Gymnasium between 1904 and 1907. In 1907, she married Gruyo Danov, the son of Hristo G. Danov, a prominent publisher. Sofia became actively involved in the family publishing house after her father-in-law’s death in 1911, alongside her husband and brother-in-law. Over the years, they published around 2,400 books, a significant contribution to Bulgarian literature.
Sofia Danova passed away in 1946, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of educational and philanthropic work.
Charity was a significant aspect of Sofia’s life. In 1936, she took charge of a women’s charitable foundation aimed at supporting the education of underprivileged students. This foundation, established in 1895, focused on training girls in various vocations to foster their economic independence. The curriculum included subjects such as embroidery, tailoring, art, and draughtsmanship. In 1910, a school library was established with book donations from Hristo Danov. Additionally, a fund named after Sofia Danova was created, accumulating a capital of 31,690 lev by 1946. This fund not only supported the welfare of needy students but also contributed to the construction of housing.
Sofia Danova’s commitment to education and her tireless efforts to uplift the underprivileged left a lasting impact on Bulgarian society. Her dedication to philanthropy and the empowerment of girls laid a strong foundation for the advancement of women’s rights and opportunities in Bulgaria.