Maria Lacerda de Almeida

Brazil's 19th-century feminist who championed women's education and suffrage

Maria Lacerda de Almeida (1848–1924) was a Brazilian educator and suffragist whose advocacy laid the groundwork for women's rights in Brazil. A pioneer in women's education, she founded the first school for girls in Rio de Janeiro in 1872 and later established the Sociedade Feminina de Culto à Ciência e à Letras to promote female intellectual development. Her 1893 manifesto "A Mulher no Século XX" demanded voting rights and legal equality. Despite her 19th-century activism, her impact resonated into the 20th century. Explore her work at Wikipedia or IESB.