Olivia Paoli facts for kids

Olivia Paoli (1855–1942) was a Puerto Rican woman who worked hard for women's rights. She was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Olivia was a suffragist, meaning she fought for women to have the right to vote. She was also an activist, someone who works to bring about social change.

Olivia was the sister of two famous opera singers. Her brother was Antonio Paoli, a well-known opera tenor. Her sister was Amalia Paoli, a soprano singer.

Working for Change

Olivia Paoli was very active in her community. On December 31, 1906, she started the first theosophist group in Puerto Rico. Theosophy is a way of thinking about philosophy, religion, and hidden knowledge.

She also directed a magazine called La Estrella de Oriente (The Star of the East). This magazine published ideas and writings about theosophy.

As an activist, Olivia worked alongside other important women. These included Ana Roque, Beatriz Lassalle, Carmen Gomez, and Isabel Andreu de Aguilar.

In the 1920s, Olivia was a key person in Puerto Rico's campaign for women's right to vote. She was the vice president of the Social Suffragette League, a group dedicated to this cause.

Her Family Life

In 1875, Olivia Paoli married Mario Braschi. They had nine children together: Amalia, Selene, Julio, Estela, Mario, Aida, Poliuto, and twins Angel and Angelino.

Mario Braschi was a journalist who wrote about politics. He faced difficulties from the Spanish government in the 1880s because of his political views.

Olivia Paoli passed away on February 27, 1942, in San Juan. She is buried in the Puerto Rico Memorial Cemetery in Carolina, Puerto Rico. To honor her, a street in San Juan was named "Calle Olivia Paoli."

Her Writings

• Corona literaria a la memoria de Mario Braschi (1894)

See also

In Spanish: Olivia Paoli para niños

• List of Puerto Ricans
• History of women in Puerto Rico