Eglantyne Jebb

British social reformer who founded Save the Children and pioneered children's rights declarations

Eglantyne Jebb (1876-1928) transformed humanitarian work by establishing Save the Children in 1919 to aid WWI-affected children. Her radical idea:

• Positioned children as rights-bearing individuals
• Introduced charity transparency standards
• Inspired the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

Jebb drafted the 1924 Declaration of the Rights of the Child, asserting that mankind owes the child the best it has to give. She pioneered nutrition-based aid programs and challenged British blockades causing famine.

Despite chronic illness, Jebb traveled to conflict zones, stating: Every war is a war against children. Her legacy endures through Save the Children International, operating in 120 countries. The Guardian named her greatest Briton of the 1920s for redefining global compassion.