Alicia Moreau de Justo

Moreau de Justo-Panorama--27ABR1972

Alicia Moreau de Justo marchando 1986

Alicia Moreau de Justo (1885-1986) was a prominent Argentine physician, political activist, feminist, and pacifist. She is celebrated for her extensive work in the fields of women's rights, social reform, and education, making significant contributions to the political and social landscape of Argentina in the 20th century.

Early Life and Education

Alicia Moreau was born on October 11, 1885, in London, England, to French parents. The family moved to Argentina when she was a young child. From an early age, Moreau showed a keen interest in social issues and was influenced by the ideas of socialism and anarchism that were prevalent in her family's intellectual circle.

She pursued higher education at a time when it was rare for women to do so, enrolling in the University of Buenos Aires where she studied medicine. Moreau was one of the first women to graduate from the university with a degree in medicine in Argentina, marking the beginning of her lifelong commitment to social and political activism.

Activism and Political Career

Throughout her life, Moreau de Justo was deeply involved in activism, particularly in the areas of women's rights and social justice. She was a founding member of the Argentine University Federation (FUA), which played a crucial role in the university reform movement of 1918, advocating for democratic and accessible education.

Moreau de Justo's commitment to feminism was evident in her work with the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) and her founding of the Unión Feminista Nacional in 1919, one of the first feminist organizations in Argentina. She tirelessly campaigned for women's suffrage, equality in education, and labor rights, becoming a leading figure in the Argentine feminist movement.

In the political arena, Moreau de Justo was a key member of the Socialist Party of Argentina. She stood as a candidate in several elections, advocating for social reforms, workers' rights, and gender equality, although she never held public office.

Legacy

Alicia Moreau de Justo's legacy is profound and enduring. She lived to see many of the reforms she fought for come to fruition, including the granting of women's suffrage in Argentina in 1947. Her life's work laid the groundwork for future generations of feminists and social activists in the country.

Moreau de Justo passed away on May 12, 1986, in Buenos Aires, at the age of 100. Today, she is remembered as a pioneering figure in the fight for equality and social justice in Argentina. Her contributions to the fields of medicine, education, and politics continue to inspire activists around the world.

See Also

• Feminism in Argentina
• History of Argentina
• Socialism in Argentina