Gabriella Rasponi Spalletti facts for kids
Gabriella Rasponi Spalletti (1853–1931) was an important Italian woman who worked to make life better for other women. She was a feminist, which means she believed women should have the same rights as men. She was also an educator, teaching people, and a philanthropist, meaning she gave money and time to help others. In 1897, she started a special school in Quarrata, Tuscany, where women could learn embroidery. Later, she became the leader of the National Council of Italian Women in 1903. In this role, she strongly supported women getting the right to vote. She also helped organize a very successful big meeting called the National Congress of Italian Women in 1908.
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Early Life and Family
Gabriella Rasponi Spalletti was born in Ravenna, Italy, on April 10, 1853. Her family was aristocratic, meaning they were from a noble and wealthy background. Her father, Count Cesare Rasponi Bonznzi, was a politician and a vice-consul. Her mother was Letizia Rasponi Murat.
Gabriella was mostly taught at home by private teachers. For a short time, she also studied in a convent. In 1870, she married Count Venceslao Spalleti Trivelli, who was also a politician. They had five children together, but only three lived to adulthood: Carolina, Giambattista, and Cesare.
Moving to Rome and Helping Others
In 1894, Gabriella moved to Rome with her husband and children. There, she quickly became involved in helping her community. She joined the board of the Italian Red Cross, an organization that helps people in need.
She also joined the Associazione per la donna (Association for Women). In this group, she helped with many important tasks. She managed medical supplies, raised money, and helped sign up new members.
Gabriella and her husband supported many charities. In 1897, she opened an embroidery school in Quarrata. This school did more than just teach a craft. It helped bring back interest in local arts and crafts. It also grew into a successful cooperative, where hundreds of embroiderers worked together.
A Hub for Important Discussions
In Rome, Gabriella became known for hosting special gatherings at her home. These gatherings were called "salons." She invited many important people, including writers, philosophers, journalists, and politicians. Her home was right across from the Quirinal Palace, a famous building in Rome.
Many influential men attended her salons, such as Marco Minghetti and Ruggero Bonghi. But she also welcomed many powerful women. These women included Dora Melegari, Antonietta Giacomelli, and Giuseppina Lemaire. These gatherings helped Gabriella connect with others who shared her interest in improving society and helping working women.
Leading the Women's Movement
After her husband passed away in 1899, Gabriella focused even more on the women's movement. She worked hard to support women's practical skills, intellectual growth, and education.
She helped to restart the Federazione romana delle opere femminili (Roman Federation for Women's Works). Then, in 1903, she founded the National Council of Italian Women. This organization became very important for women's rights in Italy.
The 1908 National Congress
In 1908, Gabriella helped organize the National Congress of Italian Women in Rome. More than a thousand people attended this big meeting. During the congress, a socialist named Linda Malnati suggested that religion should no longer be taught in schools. Gabriella Rasponi Spalletti supported this idea.
However, this proposal caused some disagreement. Many Catholic attendees left the congress because of it. They later formed their own group called the Unione fra le donne cattoliche d’Italia (Union of the Catholic Women of Italy).
Gabriella Rasponi Spalletti passed away in Rome on September 29, 1931. Her work greatly helped to advance women's rights and education in Italy.
