Review article
WOMEN'S CHARITABLE SOCIETIES IN CROATIA FROM THEIR BEGINNINGS TO THE FIRST WORLD WAR
Lucija Benyovsky
; Croatian History Museum, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Women's societies in Croatia began to form around the mid-nineteenth century. They gave women the opportunity to play a larger role in Croatian public life. They were formed during the period of the 'national renaissance.' The leaders of the national awakening looked to these societies to assist them in spreading national consciousness. The first women's society was formed in 1828 as a caritative association. At the height of the movement of 'national renaissance' (1835-1848) thirteen charitable associations were created in Zagreb alone. These were formed by women belonging to the aristocracy and the upper middle classes. The archbishop of Zagreb, Juraj Haulik, who created an institution to care for poor children, was active in promoting the public role of women. Later he established the Women's Society (1855). The class origins of women participants was downplayed, and the society was financed by contributions from wealthy Zagreb families. The basic function of this association was care of the poor. For this purpose, it collected money and clothing. At the time of the Christian uprising in Bosnia (1875-1878), several women's organizations were formed to help refugees. But these organizations, nationaily conscious as they were, also sent material support to the insurgents. Women's societies began to take part in historical and cultural activities as well. Women's societies soon appeared throughout Croatia. On the eve of the First World War, 54 such societies were in existence. During the First World War, they assisted the Red Cross. They were active in hospitals, they trained nurses, they sent food and clothing to soldiers, and they opened public kitchens. They were especially active in helping the children of soldiers and war invalids. Women's societies developed over time from caritative organizations into professional associations. They made a significant contribution toward equality between the sexes and to a more active participation of women in the public life of Croatia.
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Hrčak ID:
214402
URI
Publication date:
5.5.1998.
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