Martha Larsen Jahn facts for kids

Martha Emily Larsen Jahn (born April 17, 1875 – died August 2, 1954) was an important Norwegian activist. She worked hard for peace and for women's rights.

Martha was born in Christiania, which is now called Oslo, Norway. Her father was Christian Larsen, a wholesaler. In 1911, she married Gunnar Jahn, who was a politician.

Early Life and Education

Martha finished her secondary school in 1895. After that, she traveled to Scotland and Germany to study languages. She worked as an office clerk for a short time.

In 1898, Martha started working at the Deichman Library. She loved libraries so much that she went to the New York State Library School in the United States. She completed her librarian's education there in 1902.

Becoming a Librarian

After her studies, Martha worked at the Trondhjem Public Library from 1902 to 1911. This is where she met and married her husband, Gunnar Jahn. Later, she worked as a secretary at the Norwegian National Academy of Craft and Art Industry.

From 1910 to 1913, Martha worked for the Ministry of Education. She was an inspector for public libraries, making sure they were well-run. After 1915, she stopped working a paid job. Instead, she spent all her time doing volunteer work to help others.

Working for Peace and Women's Rights

Martha Jahn was a strong believer in peace. In 1915, she joined the Norwegian branch of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. This group was formed to work for peace around the world.

Martha became a leader in this organization. From 1919 to 1929, she was on the board of the international group. She also chaired, or led, the Norwegian branch from 1925 to 1934. In 1949, she was made an honorary member for all her hard work.

A Voice for Norway

Martha also represented Norway on the world stage. From 1925 to 1927, she was a delegate to the League of Nations. This was an organization that aimed to keep peace between countries after World War I.

She also worked with the Norwegian Women's Public Health Association. This group focused on improving public health. Martha was on its working committee from 1925 and became its chair from 1935 to 1948.

Achievements and Impact

Martha Jahn helped achieve many important things. In 1932, she organized a campaign where 80,000 people signed a petition. They asked for a conference to discuss disarmament, which means reducing weapons.

Under her leadership, the Women's Public Health Association grew a lot. Its membership doubled from about 100,000 to 200,000 people. Martha also helped the association stay independent during the occupation of Norway by Nazi Germany in World War II.

Martha Emily Larsen Jahn passed away in Oslo in August 1954. She is remembered for her dedication to peace and her efforts to improve public health and women's rights in Norway.

See also

In Spanish: Martha Larsen Jahn para niños