Eva Andén facts for kids
Eva Johanna Andén (born April 23, 1886 – died March 26, 1970) was a very important Swedish lawyer. She made history on March 14, 1918, when she became the first woman ever to join the Swedish Bar Association. This was a big step for women in law!
Contents
Eva Andén: A Pioneer in Law
Early Life and Education
Eva Andén was born to Heribert Andén, a merchant, and Elin Forssman. She grew up in Sweden.
In 1907, Eva began studying law at the Uppsala University. She was the only girl in her law class, which was quite unusual at the time! She worked hard and graduated in 1912.
After finishing her studies, Eva traveled around Sweden. From 1912 to 1913, she gave talks about legal topics. She did this to support the National Association for Women's Suffrage (Sweden). This group worked to get women the right to vote.
A Career Helping Others
Eva Andén started her legal career working in different places. From 1913 to 1914, she was a notary at a court in Falun. A notary helps with legal documents. Then, from 1914 to 1915, she worked at a law firm.
In 1915, Eva took over a law firm in Stockholm that belonged to Anna Pettersson. Another important woman lawyer, Mathilda Staël von Holstein, worked with Eva from 1919 to 1923.
Eva Andén had a very successful career. She worked as a lawyer until she passed away. She was especially good at helping people with divorces. She also helped with cases about child support and other issues involving women and children.
Many famous people were her clients. These included the writer Selma Lagerlöf and the beloved children's author Astrid Lindgren. This shows how trusted and respected Eva was.
Changing Laws for Women and Children
Eva Andén was part of a special government committee. This group gave advice to the government on new laws. These laws were about women and children. Many big changes happened around the time women got the right to vote.
Eva helped make laws that gave more rights to children whose parents were not married. This happened in 1917. She also helped change marriage laws between 1920 and 1921. Before these changes, husbands had a lot of control over their wives' legal decisions. The new laws gave married women more independence.
Sharing Knowledge Through Writing
Eva often wrote articles for newspapers and magazines. She wrote about laws and women's rights. Her articles covered topics like marriage and inheritance.
In the 1920s and 1930s, she regularly wrote for Tidevarvet. This was a weekly magazine that supported liberal ideas and women's rights.
Personal Life and Friends
Eva Andén never married. For many years, she lived with her friend and legal secretary, Lisa Ekedahl.
She had many friends, including important figures like Alexandra Kollontai, Karolina Widerström, and Ellen Fries. Eva Andén was a well-respected and connected person who made a big difference in Swedish law.
