Caroline Testman facts for kids

Caroline Sophie Testman (born in 1839, died in 1919) was an important Danish woman who worked for women's rights. She helped start the Danish Women's Society (called Dansk Kvindesamfund or DK) and was its leader for many years.

Early Life and Dreams

Caroline Testman was the daughter of Peder Otto Testman, who was a postmaster and a captain. Her mother was Henriette Marie Hohlenberg. Caroline really wanted to go to school and study, but her father did not allow it. Even so, she became a writer in the 1860s. She wrote articles for different newspapers and magazines throughout her life. One of the magazines she wrote for was called Tidskrift för hemmet, which was run by the Swedish feminist Sophie Adlersparre.

Starting the Danish Women's Society

Caroline Testman was one of the people who helped create the very first women's organization in Denmark. This group was called the Danish Women's Society, or DK. It was started in 1871. Other important women who helped were Tagea Johansen, Elisabet Ouchterlony, and Matilde Bajer.

When the DK first started, Matilde Bajer was the leader, and Caroline Testman was the treasurer (who managed the money). Soon, Matilde Bajer left her role. After the next leader, Severine Casse, also left in 1872, Caroline Testman became the chairman. She stayed in this important role until 1883.

Helping Women Get an Education

During her time as the leader of the Danish Women's Society, Caroline Testman worked hard to help women get better education and jobs. She believed that women should have more opportunities in the world of work.

• Business School for Women: In 1872, she started the Handelsskolen for Kvinder, which means "The Business School For Women." This school helped women learn skills for jobs in business, offices, and banks. It was very important because these jobs were growing at the time. The school later received support from the government. It was the main place for women to get this kind of education in Denmark until 1903. After that, the government made these studies available for all women.

• Sunday School for Women: In 1874, she also started the Søndagsskolen for Kvinder (SK), or "Sunday School for Women." This school offered basic education for working-class women. Teachers who had studied at universities volunteered their time to teach there. This school helped many women until 1890, when student unions started offering similar education.

• Drawing School for Women: In 1876, Caroline Testman, along with Charlotte Klein, founded the Tegneskolen for Kvinder, which means "The Drawing School For Women." This school helped women learn drawing and artistic skills.

Fighting for Women's Right to Vote

Caroline Testman also supported women's right to vote. This means she believed women should be allowed to vote in elections. While she was the leader of the Danish Women's Society, the idea of women voting was not a main topic yet.

However, in 1884, she suggested that the right to vote for women should become one of the main goals of the society. Her idea was not accepted at that time. Later, in 1887, she supported a plan by politician Fredrik Bajer that suggested women could vote under certain conditions.

Caroline Testman remained an active member of the Danish Women's Society until she passed away. In her will, she created a special fund to help female students with their education.