Women's Rights, Social Reform, and That One Time With the Shotgun

During her lifetime, Concepcion Arenal (1820 – 1893) actively challenged religious, legal, and scientific authorities to advocate for women’s rights and promote social reform. She was the first woman to attend university... [ view full abstract ]

During her lifetime, Concepcion Arenal (1820 – 1893) actively challenged religious, legal, and scientific authorities to advocate for women’s rights and promote social reform. She was the first woman to attend university in Spain, and is commonly held to be a pioneer of Spanish feminism. This semester I am translating excerpts of Arenal’s La mujer del porvenir (The Woman of the Future) and writing an introduction to the book that explains its historical context. I am thrilled to be presenting my discoveries. I will share an outline of Arenal's life and work, quotes that show the modern relevance of her arguments, and reflections on the translation and research process. Come prepared for a fun and exciting introduction to a fascinating historical character!