Julieta Lanteri

Argentine physician and suffragist

Julieta Lanteri in her later years

Julieta Lanteri (22 March 1873 – 23 February 1932) was an Italian-Argentine physician, politician, and women's rights activist. She was a pioneering figure in the fight for women's suffrage in Argentina and one of the first women to practice medicine in the country.

Early life and education

Julieta Lanteri was born in Cuneo, Italy, and emigrated to Argentina with her family at a young age. She was raised in La Plata, where she attended the National University of La Plata. Lanteri was one of the first women to enroll in the university's medical school, graduating in 1906 as a doctor of medicine.

Medical career

After obtaining her degree, Lanteri began her medical practice in Buenos Aires. She specialized in public health and was particularly concerned with the health and welfare of women and children. Her work in the medical field was groundbreaking, as she was one of the few women doctors in Argentina at the time.

Political activism

Lanteri was deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement in Argentina. In 1911, she became the first woman to vote in a national election in Argentina, taking advantage of a loophole in the electoral law. This act of defiance was a significant milestone in the struggle for women's rights in the country.

In 1919, Lanteri founded the National Feminist Union, an organization dedicated to advocating for women's rights and social reforms. She also ran for a seat in the Argentine Chamber of Deputies, becoming the first woman in Argentina to do so. Although she was not elected, her candidacy was a symbolic step forward for women's political participation.

Later life and legacy

Julieta Lanteri in her younger years

Lanteri continued her activism throughout her life, working tirelessly to improve the status of women in Argentina. She was involved in various social and political organizations and continued to advocate for women's rights until her death in 1932.

Julieta Lanteri's legacy is remembered as a trailblazer for women's rights in Argentina. Her efforts paved the way for future generations of women to participate in politics and pursue careers in fields traditionally dominated by men.

Related pages

• Women's suffrage in Argentina
• National University of La Plata
• Argentine Chamber of Deputies