María Abella facts for kids

María Abella de Ramírez (born September 28, 1863 – died August 5, 1926) was an important Uruguayan woman who worked for women's rights. She is known for helping to start women's groups in Uruguay and Argentina in the early 1900s.

Abella also wrote for journals. She published her own journal called We Women (Nosotras) and wrote for another one called The New Woman, which was from the National Feminist League.

Her Fight for Women's Rights

María Abella was part of a group called the freethinking movement in Argentina. These groups encouraged people to think for themselves and question old ideas, especially about religion and society.

In 1903, Abella helped create a special center for women to meet and talk about important issues. Later, in 1906, she spoke at a big meeting called the Freethinker Congress. There, she shared her "minimum plan of female vindications." This was her idea for how women should have equal chances and equal pay, just like men.

She also worked hard to get women the right to divorce. At that time, it was very difficult for women to end a marriage, and the Roman Catholic Church was against divorce.

In 1907, Abella's efforts helped pass new divorce laws in Uruguay. She argued that marriage was a union of separate bodies, meaning people should have the right to choose. This new law was a big step forward for women's rights in Uruguay and other parts of Latin America.

Starting Important Groups

María Abella didn't just speak out; she also helped create organizations to support women.

In 1909, she started the National League of Women Freethinkers with another important woman, Dr. Julieta Lanteri.

Then, in 1910, Abella founded the National Women's League in La Plata, Argentina. This group strongly supported women's right to vote. It also worked with a larger international group called the International Woman Suffrage Alliance.

See Also

In Spanish: María Abella para niños