Ellen Hagen facts for kids
Ellen Helga Louise Hagen (born Wadström; 1873–1967) was a very important Swedish woman. She worked hard for women's rights. She was a suffragette, meaning she fought for women to get the right to vote. She was also a politician and worked for peace around the world.
Ellen Hagen's Life and Work
Ellen Hagen was born in Stockholm, Sweden, on September 15, 1873. Her father was a priest and writer named Bernhard Wadström. Her mother was Helga Westdahl. Ellen also had a sister, Frida Stéenhoff, who became a writer too.
In 1896, Ellen married Roger Hagen. He later became a governor in a part of Sweden called Gävleborg country. Together, they had a son named Tord Hagen, who grew up to be an ambassador.
Fighting for Women's Right to Vote
Ellen Hagen was a key member of the National Association for Women's Suffrage. This group worked to get women the right to vote in Sweden. Ellen was known as a fantastic speaker. She could convince many people to support women's suffrage.
She was especially good at reaching people from the upper class. These people might not have listened to others. Ellen also dressed in a very stylish way. This helped to change the idea that suffragettes were "masculine." She showed that women could be strong and elegant while fighting for their rights. Thanks to the efforts of people like Ellen, women in Sweden gained the right to vote in 1919.
After the Vote: Peace and Politics
After her husband passed away in 1922, the government thought about asking Ellen to take his place as governor. This shows how respected she was. However, it did not happen.
In 1923, Ellen became the first editor of a new Swedish magazine called Tidevarvet. This magazine focused on liberal ideas and women's issues.
Ellen was also very active in working for peace around the world during the 1920s and 1930s. She represented Sweden at an international peace meeting in Paris in 1931.
She led two important women's groups: Liberala kvinnor (Liberal Women) from 1938 to 1946, and Svenska Kvinnors Medborgarförbund (Swedish Women's Citizen Society) from 1936 to 1963. These groups helped women become more involved in society and politics.
Ellen Hagen passed away in Stockholm on January 28, 1967. She left behind a great legacy of fighting for equality and peace.