Agda Östlund facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Agda Östlund
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Agda Östlund
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| MP for the Social democrats | |
| In office 1921–1940 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 April 1870 |
| Died | 1942 |
| Political party | Social Democrats |
Agda Maria Östlund (born April 3, 1870 – died June 26, 1942) was an important Swedish politician. She was a member of the Social Democrats. Agda Östlund was one of the first four women ever elected to the Swedish parliament. This happened after women were finally allowed to vote.
Agda Östlund's Life
Agda Östlund was born in Köping, Sweden. Her family was not rich, but they cared a lot about politics. They encouraged Agda to be interested in these topics too. Her mother made sure that Agda's brothers helped with chores just as much as she did.
From the age of 14, Agda trained to be a seamstress. This meant she made and repaired clothes. She worked hard and eventually started her own sewing business. She even had people working for her.
In 1896, she married Anders Östlund, who worked with steel. They had a daughter together. After they married, they moved to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden.
Starting in Politics
Agda Östlund became active in the Social Democratic movement early on. This movement worked to improve life for working people. In 1903, she joined the Stockholm Women's Public Club. She was even the leader of this club in 1904 and 1905.
She was also part of the Social Democratic Women's Congress from 1908 to 1920. Later, she joined the board of Social Democratic Women in Sweden from 1920 to 1936. She also helped people in need by serving on the Poor Help Board in Stockholm.
In 1902, the Social Democratic women decided to work with the Swedish Suffrage movement. This movement fought for women's right to vote. Agda Östlund was very involved in this fight. She traveled all over Sweden to give speeches and convince people that women should have the right to vote.
Becoming a Member of Parliament
In 1921, something big happened. Agda Östlund became one of the first five women elected to the Swedish Parliament. This was a huge step for women's rights in Sweden. Other women elected at the same time included Nelly Thüring, Bertha Wellin, Elisabeth Tamm, and Kerstin Hesselgren. Agda Östlund stayed in Parliament until 1940.
When she was in Parliament, Agda Östlund made history again. She was the first woman Member of Parliament (MP) to give a speech in the Swedish Second Chamber. She started her speech with a famous line: “Finally, the woman stood in the speaker’s chair.” This showed how important it was for women to have a voice in government.
She was also the first woman to be chosen for the Parliament's Legislative Committee. This committee helps create new laws. Agda Östlund worked on important issues. She focused on getting better pensions for women. She also worked to improve medical care for women and children.
Many working-class women looked up to Agda Östlund. She was a great example for them. When someone asked her where she found the courage to be involved in politics, she replied: "When you truly want something, you are given courage."
