This week our Spanish school El Rincón del Tándem wants to celebrate the 8th of March by commemorating some of the many Spanish women that greatly contributed to the progress and development of Spain, with to their work and dedication.
Clara Campoamor
Madrid, 1888 – Lausana, 1972
She was a prominent figure of the Spanish political life in XX century, which fought for and achieved the first universal suffrage in Spain. The speech she made at the Parliament, defending the right to vote for women and opposing Victoria Kent’s position, is very famous.
Concepción Arenal
Ferrol, 1820 – Vigo, 1893
Brave woman and one of the first feminists. She had to disguise herself as man to enroll at the university. Hence, she is the first woman who attended high education studies. She is also famous for reporting critically social issues and conditions of women in politics.
María Luz Morales
La Coruña, 1889 – Barcelona, 1980
She was the first female cultural journalist and the first female director of a journal. Between 1936 and 1937 she directed La Vanguardia. She is considered a female pioneer in this profession.
Federica Montseny
Madrid, 1905 – Toulouse, 1994
Politician, anarquist and trade unionist. She was the first women to become a Ministry in Spain. She was appointed Ministry of Health and Social Assistance during the II Republic and she tirelessly dedicated herself to social and political activism.
Maruja Mallo
Vivero, 1902 – Madrid, 1995
She is considered a non-conformist and independent artist. Maruja was an outstanding figure of the Surrealism and the avant-garde of the XX century. She travelled all around the world, and struck up friendship with internationally recognized artists, always protecting freedom in her art and private life. She was a member of Generation 27 and took part to the “sin sombrero” movement.
María Zambrano
Vélez, 1904 – Madrid 1991
She is an emblematic figure of the XX century Spanish philosophy. She was the first female philosopher to be awarded with the Principe Asturias prize for the Communication and Humanities category, in 1981. She supported the II Republic; therefore, she was forced to go into exile and to live abroad for 40 years. She also received the Cervantes prize, in 1988.
Margarita Salasa
Valdés, 1938
Spanish biochemist and follower of the Nobel-prize winner Severo Ochoa. Margarita is a leading figure in biochemistry and molecular biology field. She works at the Centre for Molecular Biology Severo Ochoa in Madrid and since 2002, she is also a RAE academic. She was the first woman to be awarded with the Medalla Echegaray and she is also appreciated for being one of the first women to stand out in scientific world.
Elena García Armada
Santander, 1971
Industrial engineer specialized in robotics. Elena coordinates the group of the Spanish Superior Council for Superior Investigations, that worked on developing the first bionic exosqueleton for children that suffer from spinal muscular atrophy.
We hope this blog inspire you to read more about Spanish women who played an important role in Spanish history and society!
We also remind to all our Spanish language students that Valencia will join the Huelga Feminista 8M, next Friday, 8th of March. The march will start from Plaza de Toros-Colón (itinerary)
We invite you all to join this big demonstration.
Have a nice day!
