Anna Hude

Anna Sophie (von der) Hude (1858–1934) was the first Danish woman to graduate as a historian, the first to be awarded Copenhagen University's gold medal (1888) and the first to become a Doctor of Philosophy. She is also remembered for becoming an active campaigner for women's suffrage in the early 20th century.

Early life and education Born on 26 July 1858 in Ebeltoft, Anna Sophie von der Hude was the daughter of Sophus Waldemar von der Hude and Johanne Larentine Elisabeth Tulinius. She was raised together with her four siblings in Roskilde. After working for a time as a schoolteacher, she moved to Copenhagen in 1878 to complete her secondary schooling. After earning her matriculation certificate in 1882, she studied at Copenhagen University. In 1887, she became the first woman to graduate in history. The following year, she was awarded the university's gold medal for her dissertation on the origins of feudalism, En Fremstilling og Kritik af de nyere Opfattelser af Spørgsmaalet om Lensvæsnets Opkomst. In 1893, she became the first woman to receive a Dr.phil for her work on the Danehof medieval parliament titled Danehoffet og dets Plads i Danmarks Statsforfatning.

From 1884, Hede became increasingly active in the cause for women's rights, becoming a member of the Danish Women's Society. In 1904, she became active in campaigning for women's suffrage, cofounding the Political Women's Association (Politisk Kvindeforening) which she headed as the first president in 1905. The association was the basis for Landsforbundet for Kvinders Valgret, founded in 1907.

Anna Hude died in Copenhagen on 9 August 1934.