The 156th birthday of Adelaide Cabete, a Portuguese feminist, humanitarian, physician, and activist who fought for women’s equality and rights throughout the 20th century, is celebrates in today’s Doodle. Additionally, she established and served as president of the Conselho Nacional das Mulheres Portuguesas.
On January 25, 1867, Cabete was born near Elvas, Portugal. She worked as a housekeeper as a child to support her family. She still independently learned to read and write despite the fact that she did not have time to attend school. She graduated from high school with distinction at the age of 23. After that, she went to the Medical-Surgical School in Lisbon to study medicine. At 33, she got her degree, making her the third woman in Portugal to do so! Her thesis advocated for Portugal’s maternity leave and the protection of pregnant women.
In 1909, she established the Republican League of Portuguese Women, and in 1914, she established the National Council of Portuguese Women (CNMP), two organizations that advocated for women’s emancipation and provided assistance to disadvantaged women and children. In addition, Cabete publicized her support for the opening of maternity hospitals and educated other women about child care and feminine hygiene.
She wrote a number of articles about social and medical equality for women and served as Alma feminina’s lead editor. In 1924 and 1928, she organized the first two feminist congresses in Portugal, which advocated for women’s political, civil, educational, and economic rights.
She actively fought for women’s suffrage her entire life and laid the groundwork for subsequent feminist movements. One of the most significant figures in Portuguese society, Cabete is remembered for her courageous leadership.
