Thorbjorg Sveinsdottir (1827-1903)

Thorbjorg SveinsdottirThorbjorg Sveinsdottir was born into the modest family of an Icelandic preacher in 1827. She was one of only two children in the family to receive an education. In 1855 she went to Copenhagen to study midwifery where she graduated first in her class in 1856.

On her return to Reykjavik she worked as the official midwife for eight years. Ms Sveinsdottir was outspoken about the injustices she perceived in Icelandic society. She became a trusted local and national figure teaching practical midwifery and providing ‘medical’ advice.

Much was changing in Iceland in the late 19th century and despite the lack of an official role, her contributions to public meetings were respected. With her brother she was associated with the campaign for a university in Iceland. One consequence of this work was the founding of the Icelandic Women’s Society which was dedicated to seeking equal rights to education and representation for women. Ms Sveinsdottir was Chair of this Society until her death in 1903.

Reference

‘Þorbjörg Sveinsdóttir (1827-1903)’ by Auðbjörg Halla Jóhannsdóttir og Dröfn Sigurbjörnsdóttir. Last updated 06.12.2005. Translation by Steinnun Bjorn Pieper, 2007.