Anna-Clara Romanus-Alfvén facts for kids
Anna-Clara Romanus-Alfvén (1874–1947) was a very important Swedish woman. She was a pioneering doctor, a teacher, and a strong supporter of women's rights. She worked hard to help women get the right to vote. In 1906, she became a medical doctor. She was the first woman to open her own doctor's office in Norrköping. She often treated patients who were poor for free. In 1907, Anna-Clara joined a group called the National Association for Women's Suffrage (LKPR). This group worked to get women the right to vote. She led this group in Norrköping until 1919. She also led a women's council in Norrköping. This council helped women and children who needed support.
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Who Was Anna-Clara Romanus-Alfvén?
Anna-Clara Romanus was born on November 24, 1874. Her hometown was Landskrona, Sweden. Her father, Johan Romanus Petersson, was an organist and music teacher. Her mother, Johanna Maria, was a schoolteacher. Anna-Clara was the second of their three children.
Early Life and Education
Anna-Clara went to a girls' school in Karlskrona. There, she was inspired by the famous writer Selma Lagerlöf. Selma Lagerlöf later won the Nobel Prize. Anna-Clara wanted to become a teacher. Her parents were not sure at first, but they later agreed. She finished school in Malmö. Then, she trained to be a schoolmistress in Kalmar. After that, she worked as a teacher in Eskilstuna. While teaching, she also studied medicine. She wanted to become a doctor.
Becoming a Doctor
In 1898, Anna-Clara began studying at the Karolinska Institute. This is a famous medical university in Sweden. She worked very hard and became a doctor in 1906. She decided to move to Norrköping. This was a city with many factories and working-class people. She opened her own doctor's office in a working-class area. Her practice was very successful. Many women liked having a female doctor. She often treated single mothers and their children for free. This was important because they might not have gotten medical care otherwise.
Fighting for Women's Rights
Anna-Clara Romanus-Alfvén strongly believed in women's rights. In 1907, she joined the women's suffrage movement in Norrköping. "Suffrage" means the right to vote. She gave talks about how to raise girls, how to care for children, and about health. In the same year, she married Johannes Alfvén. He was also a doctor. His brother was the famous composer Hugo Alfvén. Anna-Clara and Johannes had two children together.
In 1910, Anna-Clara was chosen to lead the suffrage association. She kept this job until 1919. That year, women in Sweden finally won the right to vote!
Later Life and Legacy
Anna-Clara also led Norrköping's local women's council for many years. She worked as a school doctor at a new girls' school in Norrköping. She also taught healthcare at different schools and places nearby. In the 1920s, she tried to become a member of parliament. She ran for the liberal party, but she was not elected.
Anna-Clara Romanus-Alfvén passed away on November 9, 1947. She died in Essinge, Stockholm. She is remembered as a brave and caring woman. She helped many people as a doctor. She also played a big part in helping women gain important rights in Sweden.
