Clara Campoamor
Spanish suffragist who singularly secured women's voting rights in Spain's 1931 constitution against fierce opposition.
Clara Campoamor (1888–1972) was a pioneering Spanish politician, lawyer, and feminist who irrevocably transformed Spain's democratic landscape. Born in Madrid to a working-class family, she overcame societal barriers to become one of the first women to practice law in Spain. Her defining moment came during the drafting of the 1931 Spanish Constitution, where she spearheaded the inclusion of women's suffrage despite resistance from male colleagues, including those within her own Republican party.
Campoamor's relentless advocacy was rooted in her belief that political equality was non-negotiable. In a historic parliamentary speech, she declared:
'Freedom is taught by being free, not by showing examples of slavery.'Her efforts culminated in Spanish women gaining the right to vote in 1933, making Spain one of the earliest European countries to adopt universal suffrage. However, her victory came at a personal cost—she was ostracized politically and fled Spain during Franco's regime, dying in exile.
Beyond suffrage, Campoamor championed divorce law reform and fought against gender-based labor discrimination. Her legacy is celebrated annually on Spain's 'Clara Campoamor Day', inspiring modern movements for gender parity.
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