Odette Laguerre

Odette Laguerre (born Marie-Odette Garin de la Morflan on November 7, 1860, in Constantinople; died September 27 or 29, 1956) was a French feminist activist, teacher, and journalist. She made significant contributions to the fight for women's rights in France at the turn of the 20th century.

Biography

Early life and education Daughter of René Louis Charles Garin de la Morflan (1828–1879), a diplomat, and Hélène Henriette Berlot Vaume, Odette Laguerre was born on November 7, 1860, in Constantinople. She grew up in an environment conducive to education and culture. After her father's death in 1878, she became a private tutor while pursuing literary studies at the Sorbonne. In 1881, she obtained a teaching certificate for secondary education for girls.

Journalistic career and feminist involvement Laguerre began her journalistic career in 1878 by contributing to La Mode illustrée, where she wrote articles on hygiene, education, and care. Later, in 1903, she joined La Fronde, a feminist newspaper founded by Marguerite Durand, where she regularly published articles. Initially writing weekly for La Fronde, she continued for a year and a half, even after the paper became a monthly supplement due to financial struggles. She also contributed to other newspapers, such as L'Aurore, Les Pages libres, Le Progrès, Le Courrier de l'Ain, and Le Journal des instituteurs.

In 1903, Laguerre founded the Société d’éducation et d’action féministes in Lyon, aiming to educate and empower women through conferences, legal reforms, and mutual aid. The society's activities included creating a solidarity fund for young mothers, launching a women's refuge, and providing free legal consultations for women. They also published 25 brochures, including one by Laguerre on feminism. The society organized popular educational events, fostering a democratic and socialist spirit. By 1906, it had 200 members. After internal conflicts, the society ceased operations in 1909, but Laguerre continued her feminist work, participating in the Bibliothèque féminine in Paris in 1928. She also served as the secretary of the International League of Mothers and Educators for Peace.

In 1947, she was the first woman in her village to vote in the municipal elections. at the age of 96, and was buried in the cemetery of Artemare.

L'Enseignement dans la famille, cours complet d'études pour les jeunes filles (three volumes published between 1888 and 1894). Biographies d'hommes illustres, grands patriotes, grands voyageurs, grands inventeurs et récits d'histoire de France (1890). Qu'est-ce que le féminisme ? (1905). Le droit électoral des femmes (1906). La protection de l'enfance (1906), co-written with Ida-Rosette Sée. La Révolution au royaume des bonbons (1934), illustrated by Suzanne Theureau.