Delphine Herrera of Chile

A feminist pioneer who fought for women's education and suffrage rights in 19th century South America

Delphine Herrera (1833-1912) was a Chilean educator and women's rights activist whose efforts laid the groundwork for modern feminism in Latin America. Born into a conservative aristocratic family, she defied societal norms by establishing the first girls' school in Valparaíso in 1854.

Her published writings argued for women's access to higher education and property rights, influencing early suffrage movements. Herrera organized the first women's literary club in Chile, promoting intellectual equality through international exchanges with European feminists. Though her demands for voting rights were rejected during her lifetime, her advocacy inspired later leaders like Gabriela Mistral. Modern historians highlight her innovative use of theater to spread her ideas, documented in plays like Delphine's Classroom. Her legacy is preserved in the Museo Delphine Herrera in Valparaíso, showcasing 19th century educational tools and correspondence with European feminists like George Sand.