Latvian Council of Science funded the Fundamental and Applied Research program project "Women Agency in Latvian Culture and Society (1870-1940)" funded by the Latvian Council of Science and implemented by the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia sheds light on the significant roles women played across various spheres during this time. It also encourages us to learn more about our grandmothers and other women in our family history. Project manager Eva Eglāja-Kristsone, a senior researcher at the Institute of Literature, Folklore and Art of the University of Latvia, explains that Latvian women's history has not been comprehensively studied enough. However, several excellent individual research studies have been done. This research allows us to revisit these historical years with a fresh perspective on the role of women.
Have Women Been Forgotten in History?
This project highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women to Latvian society and culture from 1870 to 1940. It reveals significant but lesser-known episodes of women's roles in cultural and social life, focusing on their activities in literature, art, and politics – areas often ignored in official historical records. When we think critically, so-called big historical narratives mostly feature men contributing to various fields, while women's names are seldom mentioned. "My daughter is in 9th grade, studying the events surrounding the First World War and the founding of Latvia. Only men's names are mentioned at this educational level. Women are noted in one sentence as nurses and providing clothing and food – a crucial mission in itself, as we see today in the context of the war. We must discuss such contributions as charity and volunteering too," explains Eglāja-Kristsone. "This research aims to highlight the names of many women whose initiatives and activities significantly contributed to our history."
Inspiration from Diaries
Eglāja-Kristsone shares that her interest in women's history grew when she came across diaries by several Latvian women, revealing unique stories from the past century. One particularly inspiring find was the diary of teacher and translator Marija Eglīte, who documented life in the early 20th century. Born in Cesvaine, Marija dreamed of becoming a pianist but worked as a teacher in a girl's gymnasium due to life's circumstances. Her writings shed light on education, societal expectations, romantic passions, and self-reflection. Another notable find was the diary of secretary in foreign affairs Margarēta Grosvalde, written in 1919 while working at the Latvian Legation in London. To improve
her English, Margarēta wrote her diary in English, sharing insights into the rise of Latvian diplomacy and personal reflections. Her family's multiple ties to Latvian foreign affairs made this a multilayered historical document. "These diaries inspired me to expand our understanding of history by focusing on women whose contributions have been less visible. The project's goal is not to rewrite history but to complement it with women's life stories, highlighting their roles in Latvian culture and society," she explains.
Where to Begin?
Armed with inspiration, ideas, and names, the researchers embarked on a comprehensive collection of archival materials to study these historical figures. Various sources were used, including historical archives and materials from the Latvian National Museum of Literature and Music and the Museum of the History of Riga and Navigation. Special attention was given to personal documents such as passports, student cases, and autobiographical documents such as diaries, travel notes, and letters to gain detailed insights into women's lives and activities. "Finding photographs of these women was a major challenge," Eva notes, "we wanted authentic photos for each woman, so we used digital archives and online resources to find images from passports and other documents. It wasn't easy, but I'm thrilled we succeeded, and we have not only names but also "faces"!"
A Book and a Letonica special issue
This research has inspired several students to write master's theses and doctoral dissertations, such as the master's thesis of literary scholar Signe Raudive on women in the book industry or the dissertation of historian Zane Rozite on women's education at the University of Latvia in the interwar period. Other researchers in the project, such as Māra Grudule, Zita Kārkla, Ineta Lipša, Baiba Vanaga, Rasa Pārpuce-Blauma and Guntis Vāveris, provide insights into the activities of women and their contribution to cultural, political and cultural development in their theses covering this extended period of history, education and the development of society not only through the contributions of Latvian women, but also of German-Balts in art, journalism and literature, travel experiences, political parties and the foreign service, the temperance movement, the importance of women's gymnasiums and other topics. "The thematic special issue of the project has already been published in the journals Letonica (No 49). And we are delighted that this year will see the publication of the collective research book. It will be a valuable academic resource and a reminder of women's achievements, especially in this year when we will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first Latvian Women's Conference in September," Eva proudly shares.
Family Stories of Remarkable Women
As part of the project, the public was invited to participate in the initiative "Introduce Your (Great)Grandmother!" People shared stories and photos of women from their families who contributed significantly during this period but lacked public historical recognition. Over 30 stories were submitted, showcasing strong women who stood out in various fields. "This initiative encouraged people to delve deeper into their family histories and discover new insights about their female ancestors. Through public involvement, we also uncovered many personalities we hadn't known about," Eva explains.
All in One Place
The collected stories from the research and public submissions have been compiled into the digital resource womage.lv. This platform broadens understanding of women's roles in cultural and social contexts through biographies, organizations, personal connections, and photographs. It provides an accessible resource for learning about notable women who made a difference in Latvian history. The project's relevance and initial findings have sparked interest beyond academia, generating widespread public engagement. The team is also exploring opportunities to continue the project or expand current research and has joined several international networks, ensuring a more inclusive understanding of history for future generations.
A Legacy of Inspiration
The role of women in Latvian history is not only a subject of past exploration but also a source of inspiration for the future. The project emphasizes the need to continue researching and documenting women's achievements to provide a more prosperous historical understanding. "I can confidently say that this project has enriched society's understanding of Latvian history, particularly the intellectual activities of women as drivers of social processes and cultural change," Eva proudly declares.
Visit the project’s website womage.lv, where anyone can explore and learn more about significant women in Latvian history. The site is regularly updated, and everyone is invited to contribute to the database by providing additional information, photographs, and stories.
The project "Women Agency in Latvian Culture and Society (1870-1940)" (lzp-2020/1-0215) is implemented under the Fundamental and Applied Research program, funded by the Latvian Council of Science.