Mary Sturge

Mary Sturge Wellcome L0004400

Mary Sturge (1857–1915) was a pioneering British physician and a key figure in the women's suffrage movement in the United Kingdom. She was one of the first women to qualify as a doctor in Britain, overcoming significant barriers to women in the medical profession at the time. Sturge was also actively involved in social reform, particularly in the areas of public health and education for women.

Early Life and Education

Mary Sturge was born in 1857 in Birmingham, England, into a family that valued education and social reform. Encouraged by her family, she pursued higher education at a time when opportunities for women were limited. Sturge attended the London School of Medicine for Women, which was established to provide medical education for women who were barred from attending existing medical schools.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Mary Sturge made significant contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in women's health. She worked at the Birmingham and Midland Hospital for Women, where she focused on gynecology and obstetrics. Sturge was known for her dedication to improving healthcare for women and children, advocating for better hygiene and nutrition standards.

In addition to her clinical work, Sturge was involved in medical education, teaching at the Birmingham University, where she played a crucial role in opening doors for future generations of female physicians.

Activism and Suffrage Movement

Mary Sturge was deeply involved in the women's suffrage movement, using her position and respect within the medical community to advocate for women's rights. She was a member of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies (NUWSS), where she worked alongside other prominent suffragists to campaign for the right to vote.

Sturge believed in the importance of social reform and was also active in promoting education for women, arguing that access to education was essential for achieving equality. She supported various initiatives aimed at improving educational opportunities for girls and young women.

Legacy

Mary Sturge's legacy is marked by her contributions to medicine and her efforts to advance women's rights. She paved the way for future generations of women in the medical profession and played a significant role in the fight for women's suffrage in the UK.

Her work in public health, particularly in improving conditions for women and children, has had a lasting impact. Sturge is remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers and worked tirelessly to improve the lives of others.

See Also

• Women in medicine
• History of feminism
• Suffragette