Nielsine Nielsen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nielsine Nielsen
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| Born | 10 June 1850 Svendborg
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| Died | 8 October 1916 (aged 66) Copenhagen
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| Nationality | Danish |
| Education | University of Copenhagen (1851) |
| Occupation | Physician |
| Known for | First female academic and physician in Denmark |
Nielsine Nielsen (born June 10, 1850 – died October 8, 1916) was a very important woman in Danish history. She was the first woman in Denmark to become an academic and a medical doctor.
After finishing her studies in 1885, she opened her own medical office in 1889. She worked as a general doctor, helping many people. Nielsine was also very active in the movement for gender equality, working with the Danish Women's Society.
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Nielsine's Early Life
Nielsine Nielsen was born in Svendborg, Denmark. Her parents were Lars Nielsen, a wealthy shipowner, and Karen Jensen.
When Nielsine was a child, her brother and sister sadly died from typhoid. This was a serious illness at the time. It is believed that these sad events made her very interested in medicine.
Nielsine's Medical Career
In 1868, Nielsine started working as a teacher in Copenhagen. Later, she became a governess, teaching children in different parts of the country.
In 1874, she wrote to Charlotte Yhlen, a female doctor from Sweden. Charlotte advised her to talk to C. E. Fenger, a member of the Danish parliament. Fenger was known for supporting women's rights. He had helped the first female telegraph operator in Denmark, Mathilde Fibiger.
Fenger then sent Nielsine's request to study medicine at the university to the government.
Breaking Barriers in Education
In 1875, a special royal order was made. This order allowed women to attend university in Denmark for the first time. This was a huge step forward for women's rights.
In 1877, Nielsine Nielsen and Johanne Gleerup became the very first two female university students in Denmark. The Danish Women's Society gave Nielsine a small amount of money. This helped her to afford her studies. She worked hard and graduated as a medical doctor in 1885.
Starting Her Own Practice
After graduating, Nielsine opened her own medical practice in Copenhagen. She had hoped to become a specialist in women's health. However, the only gynecologist in Denmark at that time, F. Howitz, would not let her train with him.
Nielsine and Women's Rights
Nielsine Nielsen was a strong supporter of the women's movement. She was active in the Danish Women's Society. However, she felt that this group was sometimes too slow and careful.
Because of this, she joined other women's groups that were more radical. From 1893 to 1898, she was the leader of the Women's Suffrage Association. This group worked to get women the right to vote.
In 1904, Nielsine, along with Louise Nørlund, Birgitte Berg Nielsen, and Alvilda Harbou Hoff, made history. They became the first female members of the liberal political party in Denmark. In 1907, she also helped to start the Landsforbundet for Kvinders Valgret, another important group for women's voting rights.
Nielsine's Legacy
Nielsine Nielsen's work left a lasting mark on Denmark. A road has been named after her at Rigshospitalet. This is one of the largest and most specialized hospitals in Copenhagen.
See also
In Spanish: Nielsine Nielsen para niños
