Dolors Aleu i Riera

Dolores Aleu 2

Dolors Aleu i Riera
Born	7 April 1857 Barcelona, Spain
Died	19 February 1913 Barcelona, Spain
Nationality	Spanish
Occupation	Physician
Known for	First woman in Spain to earn a degree in medicine

Dolors Aleu i Riera (7 April 1857 – 19 February 1913) was a pioneering Spanish physician and the first woman in Spain to earn a degree in medicine. She was a significant figure in the history of women in medicine and contributed greatly to the advancement of women's rights in Spain.

Early Life and Education

Dolors Aleu i Riera was born in Barcelona, Spain, on 7 April 1857. She showed an early interest in the sciences and pursued her education with determination. In 1874, she enrolled at the University of Barcelona, where she studied medicine. Despite facing significant societal and institutional barriers due to her gender, Aleu persevered and graduated in 1879.

Medical Career

After obtaining her degree, Dolors Aleu i Riera continued her studies and earned her doctorate in 1882, becoming the first woman in Spain to do so. Her doctoral thesis, titled "On the need to set the hygienic and moral education of women on a new basis," highlighted her commitment to improving the health and education of women.

Aleu established a successful medical practice in Barcelona, where she specialized in gynecology and pediatrics. She was known for her dedication to her patients and her efforts to promote public health and hygiene.

Contributions to Women's Rights

Dolors Aleu i Riera was an advocate for women's rights and worked tirelessly to improve the status of women in Spanish society. She was involved in various organizations and movements that aimed to advance women's education and professional opportunities. Her work laid the groundwork for future generations of women in medicine and other fields.

Legacy

Dolors Aleu i Riera's pioneering achievements have left a lasting impact on the field of medicine and the fight for gender equality in Spain. She is remembered as a trailblazer who broke barriers and paved the way for women in the medical profession.

See Also

• Women in medicine
• University of Barcelona
• Gynecology
• Pediatrics
• Public health