Valborg Olander facts for kids

Valborg Olander was a Swedish teacher, politician, and a strong supporter of women's suffrage. This means she believed women should have the right to vote. She was born on May 14, 1861, in Värmland, Sweden, and passed away on February 27, 1943, in Stockholm. Valborg Olander is also well-known for her close friendship with the famous Swedish author Selma Lagerlöf.

Early Life and Education

Valborg Olander was one of five children. Her father, Gustaf Achilles, was a doctor. Her mother was Eva Charlotta Munktell. When Valborg was twelve, her father passed away. To support the family, her mother opened a fashion shop in Ulricehamn.

Valborg went to a girls' school in Jönköping. At age fifteen, in 1876, she attended Högre lärarinneseminariet in Stockholm. This was a special school for training teachers. She graduated in 1879.

A Career in Teaching

After finishing her studies, Valborg Olander became a teacher. She first taught in Lidköping from 1879 to 1880. Then, she moved to Gothenburg, where she taught at an elementary school for girls from 1880 to 1888.

In 1888, she began teaching at the people's academy in Falun. She stayed there until 1916. Teaching was a big part of her life. She also wrote books about the Swedish language. She worked on these books with a language expert named Gustaf Cederschiöld.

Fighting for Women's Rights

Valborg Olander was a passionate advocate for women's suffrage. This was the movement to give women the right to vote in elections. She became a leader in this cause.

From 1905 to 1920, she was the chairperson of the Falun branch of the National Association for Women's Suffrage. She also represented her local group in the national committee. She wrote a lot to support women's right to vote.

Valborg Olander in Politics

In 1909, a new law allowed women to run for local government positions. In the 1910 election, Valborg Olander was elected to the Falun city council. She was a member of the Liberal Party.

She and Elfrida Larsson were the first women to serve on the Falun city council. Valborg Olander served one term, until 1914. She also held other important roles. She was on the board of the Falun public libraries. She was also a member of the school council.

Friendship with Selma Lagerlöf

Valborg Olander was a close friend of the famous author Selma Lagerlöf. Selma Lagerlöf was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. Their friendship was very important to both of them.

Valborg Olander also helped Selma Lagerlöf with her writing. She gave advice on her books and stories. This shows how much Selma Lagerlöf trusted Valborg's judgment.