Danish Women's Society facts for kids

Julie Arenholt and Gyrithe Lemche in 1922. Both headed the Danish Women's Society.

The Danish Women's Society or DWS (Danish: Dansk Kvindesamfund) is Denmark's oldest group working for women's rights. It was started in 1871 by activist Matilde Bajer and her husband Fredrik Bajer. Fredrik was a Member of Parliament and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1908.

This group supports a type of liberal feminism that includes everyone. It works for the rights of all women and girls, and also for LGBT rights. The society publishes the world's oldest women's magazine, Kvinden & Samfundet (Woman and Society), which started in 1885. The Danish Women's Society is part of the International Alliance of Women. It is also a sister group to the Norwegian Association for Women's Rights and the Icelandic Women's Rights Association.

History of the Danish Women's Society

The Danish Women's Society was founded in 1871. Matilde Bajer was inspired by a Swiss women's group she belonged to. Her husband, Fredrik, was also very interested in helping women gain more freedom.

The group aimed to support middle-class women. It was never linked to any political party. Its main goal was to improve women's lives, both mentally and financially. This would help women become more independent. At first, they focused on getting women access to education. They also wanted married women to control their own money.

Early Years: 1871–1906

Dansk Kvindesamfund banner, 1887

In 1872, the DWS opened a school for women called Dansk Kvindesamfund Handelsskolen. In 1874, they started a Sunday school for working women, Søndagsskolen for Kvinder. Later, in 1895, they opened an art school for women, Tegneskolen for Kvinder. These schools helped women learn new skills.

Working for Rights: 1906–1940

From 1906, the group focused on getting women the right to vote. This led to big changes in 1915. Women were then allowed to vote in elections for the Rigsdag, which is the national parliament.

The DWS also worked for equal pay and better conditions for women and children. In 1919, new laws improved salaries for women working in public jobs. In 1921, women and men gained equal access to public jobs.

Between the two World Wars, the society worked to stop pregnant women from being fired from public jobs. They also pushed for help centers for mothers. These centers, called mødrehjælpsinstitutioner, were set up across the country. They provided support for pregnant women and new mothers.

During and After World War II: 1940–1950

During the German occupation of Denmark, the DWS helped create Danske Kvinders Beredskab. This group focused on civil defense. It helped with medical care and evacuations during bombing raids. The DWS also paid attention to women who were out of work and single women facing social problems.

After the 1943 elections, only two women were elected to the Folketing (parliament). The DWS then worked hard to get more women into politics. They also pushed for women to become priests. This led to new laws in 1947 allowing women to serve as priests.

Focus on Social Issues: 1950–1970

In the 1950s and 1960s, the main focus of the DWS was social policies. They especially cared about single mothers. They also supported housewives who stayed at home. The group helped women who had been out of work for a while get new training. They also called for more kindergartens to help working parents.

What the Society Believes In

Supporting LGBTQA Rights

The Danish Women's Society strongly supports LGBTQA rights. They have said that they "support all efforts that help gay and transgender people." They also see the LGBTQA movement as important partners. They believe they can fight together for a society where a person's gender does not limit them.

Leaders of the Danish Women's Society

Here are the presidents who have led the Danish Women's Society over the years:

See also

In Spanish: Sociedad Danesa de Mujeres para niños