Cécile Brunschvicg facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cécile Brunschvicg
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Brunschvicg c. 1926
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| Undersecretary of State for national education of France | |
| In office 5 June 1936 – 21 June 1937 |
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| President | Albert Lebrun |
| Prime Minister | Léon Blum |
| Preceded by | Henri Guernut indirectly |
| Succeeded by | Léo Lagrange |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Cécile Kahn
19 July 1877 Enghien-les-Bains, France |
| Died | 5 October 1946 (aged 69) Neuilly-sur-Seine, France |
| Political party | PRS |
| Spouse | Léon Brunschvicg |
Cécile Brunschvicg (born Cécile Kahn on July 19, 1877, in Enghien-les-Bains, France – died October 5, 1946, in Neuilly-sur-Seine, France) was a very important French politician. She was also a strong supporter of women's rights. From the 1920s until she passed away, many people saw her as the "grand lady" of the women's rights movement in France.
Cécile grew up in a middle-class family. Her family believed that women, especially those over 17, should not study much. But Cécile was already quite independent for her time. Her life changed when she met and married Léon Brunschvicg. He was a philosopher who also supported women's rights. He was part of the Ligue des droits de l'homme, a group that worked for human rights. Léon encouraged Cécile to become active in the feminist movement. She became a leader in the League of Electors, a group that pushed for women to have the right to vote.
Contents
Fighting for Women's Right to Vote
Starting the French Union for Women's Suffrage
The French Union for Women's Suffrage (UFSF) was a key group in France. It was started by women who attended a big meeting of French feminists in Paris in 1908. Jeanne Schmahl and Jane Misme were among the leaders who founded this group.
The UFSF offered a calmer way to fight for women's voting rights. It was different from other, more forceful groups. Its main goal was simple: to get women the right to vote using legal methods. This meant working within the law, not through protests or radical actions.
Cécile Brunschvicg's Role in the UFSF
The first meeting of the UFSF happened in February 1909, with 300 women attending. Cécile Brunschvicg was chosen as the secretary-general of the group. This was a very important role. Jeanne Schmahl became the first president. Eliska Vincent, another strong supporter of women's rights, became an honorary vice-president.
The UFSF quickly gained recognition from other international groups. In April 1909, at a meeting in London, the International Woman Suffrage Alliance officially recognized the UFSF. This meant the UFSF was seen as the main group representing the women's voting rights movement in France.
Becoming a Government Leader
Cécile Brunschvicg's hard work and dedication led her to a high position in the French government. She was named Undersecretary of State for national education. This happened when Léon Blum formed his first government. In this role, she helped make decisions about education for the whole country.
