Mary de Sousa facts for kids

Mary Mathilda de Sousa (born in 1890, died in 1953) was a very important doctor from India who worked in Kenya. She made history by becoming the first Asian woman doctor in Kenya, starting her practice in 1919.

Her Life and Work

Mary Mathilda Pereira grew up in Mazagon, a part of Mumbai (which was then called Bombay) in India. She was one of fourteen children!

Becoming a Doctor

In 1914, Mary finished her studies at Grant Medical College. She earned a special degree that allowed her to practice medicine and surgery. After graduating, she worked as a medical officer in different areas of India. She also worked at the Kerrawala Maternity Hospital in Bombay.

In 1919, she went to a big meeting called the Indian National Congress. This group worked for India's independence.

Moving to Kenya

In 1919, Mary married another doctor, Alex Caetano Lactancio de Sousa. They moved together to Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. In Nairobi, Mary worked as a doctor and helped mothers give birth as a midwife.

Helping Women and Girls

Mary de Sousa was very active in her community. In 1926, a group called the Lady Grigg Welfare League was formed. Mary helped raise money to build a special hospital for Indian women. This hospital was called the Lady Grigg Indian Maternity Home.

Even though she helped build the hospital, Mary and her husband did not join its governing board. This was because the hospital's rules did not fairly include both Indian and European people on the committee.

Mary also cared deeply about education. She was involved with the Indian Education Board. She also helped with the Girl Guides and Boy Scouts in Kenya. These groups teach young people important life skills.

Important Visitors

Mary de Sousa often welcomed important Indian leaders to her home in Nairobi. One famous visitor was Sarojini Naidu, a well-known poet and political leader. Sarojini Naidu even led the East African Indian National Congress twice.

In the mid-1940s, Mary became ill. For the last ten years of her life, she mostly stayed at home.

Her Family

Mary Pereira married Dr. Alexio Caetano Lactancio de Sousa in 1919. She passed away in Nairobi in 1953 when she was 63 years old. Her husband lived longer than her.

They had three children: Theo, Peter, and Aura. Their son, Peter A. de Sousa, followed in his parents' footsteps and also became a doctor.