Vilma Hugonnai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vilma Hugonnai
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| Born | 30 September 1847 Nagytétény, Kingdom of Hungary, Austrian Empire
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| Died | 25 March 1922 (aged 74) Budapest, Hungary
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| Nationality | Hungarian |
| Occupation | Medical doctor |
Vilma Hugonnai was a pioneering Hungarian woman. Born on September 30, 1847, in Nagytétény, Hungary, she became the very first Hungarian woman to qualify as a medical doctor. She faced many challenges to follow her dream of helping people through medicine. Vilma Hugonnai passed away on March 25, 1922, in Budapest.
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Vilma Hugonnai's Early Life
Vilma Hugonnai was born into a noble family. She was the fifth child of Count Kálmán Hugonnai and Riza Pánczély. Even from a young age, she showed great determination. She wanted to study medicine, which was unusual for women at that time.
Becoming a Doctor
To achieve her dream, Vilma Hugonnai traveled to Zürich, a city in Switzerland. She studied medicine there and worked very hard. In 1879, she successfully earned her medical degree. This was a huge accomplishment for a woman in her era.
Challenges in Hungary
After finishing her studies, Vilma returned to Hungary. However, the Hungarian government did not accept her medical degree. They refused to recognize her qualifications simply because she was a woman. This meant she could not work as a doctor in her home country.
Working as a Midwife
Despite the setback, Vilma Hugonnai did not give up. She decided to work as a midwife. A midwife helps women during childbirth. She continued this important work for many years, from 1879 until 1897.
Gaining Recognition
Finally, in 1897, the Hungarian authorities changed their minds. They officially accepted Vilma Hugonnai's medical degree. This allowed her to open her own medical practice. She could now work as a doctor, helping patients in Hungary.
The First Hungarian Women Doctors
Vilma Hugonnai was the first Hungarian woman to earn a medical degree. However, the first woman to officially qualify in Hungary was Sarolta Steinberger in 1900. For many years, neither Vilma nor Sarolta could practice medicine without a male doctor watching over them. This rule changed in 1913, allowing them to practice independently.
Honoring Vilma Hugonnai
Vilma Hugonnai's dedication and perseverance are still remembered today. An asteroid, a small rocky body in space, was named after her. It is called 287693 Hugonnaivilma. Hungarian astronomers Krisztián Sárneczky and Brigitta Sipőcz discovered it in 2003. The name was officially announced in 2015.
