Celina Guimarães Viana facts for kids

Celina Guimarães Viana, voting in Mossoro

Celina Guimarães Viana was a Brazilian teacher and a strong supporter of women's rights. She was born in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, on November 15, 1890. She passed away in Belo Horizonte on July 11, 1972. Celina made history by becoming the first woman to vote in Brazil. This important event happened on April 5, 1928, in the city of Mossoró.

Celina's Early Life and Education

Celina was the daughter of Joseph Eustachian Amorim Guimarães and Eliza Amorim Guimarães. She went to school at the Normal School of Natal. There, she finished her training to become a teacher. This school was also where she met Elyseu de Oliveira Viana. He was a young student from Pirpirituba. Celina and Elyseu got married in December 1911.

In 1912, Celina and Elyseu moved to Acari. Later, on January 13, 1914, they moved again to Mossoró.

How Women Got the Right to Vote in Brazil

A very important law was passed on October 25, 1927. It was called Law No. 660. This law made Rio Grande do Norte the first state in Brazil to allow women to vote. The law clearly stated that there would be "no distinction of sex" for voting. This meant that both men and women could now take part in elections.

This new rule paved the way for Celina Guimarães Viana. She was able to cast her vote on April 5, 1928. Her vote was a huge step forward for women's rights in Brazil.

Images for kids

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  In Spanish: Celina Guimarães Viana para niños