Esther Carstensen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ester Henriette Carstensen
|
|
|---|---|
Carstensen in 1913
|
|
| Born |
Ester Henriette Hansen
August 10, 1873 Skodsborg, Denmark
|
| Died | December 12, 1955 (aged 82) Copenhagen, Denmark
|
| Parent(s) |
|
Ester Henriette Carstensen (born August 10, 1873 – died December 12, 1955) was an important Danish activist. She worked hard for women's rights, which means equal rights for women. Ester also edited a magazine.
She was a very active member of the Danish Women's Society. This group worked to improve women's lives. From 1908, she edited their magazine. In 1913, she became the group's vice-president. Later, she led the Copenhagen part of the Women's Society.
Contents
Ester Carstensen's Early Life and School
Ester Henriette Hansen was born on August 10, 1873. Her birthplace was Skodsborg, Denmark. Her father, Harald Andreas Hansen, was a merchant. Her mother was Anna Georgiana Cécile de Jonquières.
Ester grew up in a wealthy home in Copenhagen. She finished school at N. Zahle's School in 1893. In 1897, she started studying engineering. She went to the Technical University of Denmark.
However, she did not finish her studies there. In 1898, she married Ivan Carstensen. He was an officer in the Life Guards.
Ester Carstensen's Work for Women
From a young age, Ester was very interested in women's roles. She wanted to improve how women were treated in society. In 1906, she helped start a group. This group supported single mothers.
But she spent most of her time with the Danish Women's Society. In 1907, she took over a committee. This committee worked for women's voting rights. She tried to unite other women's groups. She wanted them all to join the Women's Society.
Leading the Danish Women's Society
Ester became a very important leader in the organization. She was the vice-president from 1913 to 1918. She also edited the Society's magazine, Kvinden & Samfundet. She worked on the magazine from 1908 to 1913.
She was a great editor and writer for the magazine. She wrote many helpful articles herself.
Leading Local Chapters
The Women's Society started local groups. Ester led the Copenhagen group from 1913 to 1918. She also led it again from 1934 to 1944. After that, she was made an honorary president for life.
When she moved to Viborg with her husband, she led that local group. She was in charge of the Viborg chapter from 1928 to 1932.
Fighting for Economic Independence
Ester Carstensen worked for all kinds of women's rights. She especially cared about married women. She wanted them to be financially independent. This meant they could earn their own money.
She was a good speaker and led many discussions. Even though she came from a wealthy family, she was always ready to help. She would even go out on the streets. She handed out flyers and sold flowers for the Society.
Ester Carstensen passed away on December 12, 1955. She died in Copenhagen.
