Matilde Cantos facts for kids

Matilde Cantos (born 1898, died 1987) was an important Spanish woman who believed in equal rights for everyone. She was known as a very important politician from Granada during a time in Spain called the Second Republic. Matilde was born in the Granada Province of Spain on September 20, 1898.

Early Life and Education

Matilde Cantos studied psychology when she was young in Granada. She became very good at criminology, which is the study of crime and why people commit it. She earned a degree in Criminal Sciences in Madrid.

During her studies, Matilde passed an exam to become a prison officer. She was part of the first group of women to join the "Female Auxiliary Section of the Prison Corps." This group was created by Victoria Kent, another important woman.

Political Activities

At the same time, Matilde was active in political groups. She joined the UGT, a large workers' union, and the PSOE, a socialist political party.

Because of her strong political work, the President of the Republic, Manuel Azaña, chose her to help with his election campaign in May 1936. This showed how much he trusted her abilities.

Role in the Civil War

During the Spanish Civil War, Matilde took an active role. She fought against fascism, a type of government that has a strong leader and controls everything. She worked alongside famous writers like Miguel Hernández and Rafael Alberti.

Matilde even spent time on the front lines of the war. She encouraged the soldiers of the 5th Regiment, helping to keep their spirits up.

In 1937, she led the PSOE group at a big meeting in Paris. This meeting was called the World Congress of Women against war and fascism. Matilde went there to ask for help for Spain from other socialist groups and trade unions around the world.

Life in Exile

In 1939, as the Civil War ended, Matilde had to leave Spain. This is called going into exile. She first went to France, then to Casablanca. In 1941, she moved to Mexico, where she lived until 1968.

While in Mexico, Matilde worked as a social worker for the Ministry of the Interior. She helped people who were struggling, including groups of people who were often ignored or treated unfairly, and the native people of Mexico.

She also worked as a journalist, writing articles for different magazines and newspapers. Her articles focused on social issues and women's rights. Matilde played a big part in helping other Spanish people who had also come to Mexico because of the war. She helped start the Andalusian Center in Mexico City and the Mariana Pineda Club, which were places for Spanish exiles to connect and support each other.

See also

In Spanish: Matilde Cantos para niños