Elise Honegger (28 November 1839 – 14 November 1912),[1] was a Swiss feminist and journalist. In 1885, she founded and chaired the first national women's organization in Switzerland, Schweizer Frauen-Verband.

Elise Honegger
Born(1839-11-28)28 November 1839
Stäfa, Switzerland
Died14 November 1912(1912-11-14) (aged 72)
St. Gallen, Switzerland
NationalitySwiss
Occupation(s)Journalist, Activist
SpouseMathias Egger (1867-1879)

Biography

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Honegger was born in Stäfa on 28 November 1839.[2][3]

In 1867 she married Mathias Egger with whom she had seven children. Honegger's husband was a newspaper publisher and around 1878 Elise edited the women's supplement of his publication Republikaners. Soon thereafter she divorced from her husband, taking employment as a freelance publisher and editor. Honneger established the women's newspaper Schweizer Frauen-Zeitung in 1879. The magazine was commercially successful, focusing on the role of wives and mothers (häusl).[2][3]

Outside of her position as publisher, Honneger advocated for raising the status of women. In 1882 Honneger founded the Schweizer Frauen-Verband (Swiss Women's Association). In 1885 she was elected as the organization's first president.[2] She soon came into conflict with the board and resigned in 1886.[2]

She kept publishing her newspaper, selling it in 1911, remaining as editor almost until her death on 14 November 1912 in St. Gallen.[2]

Notes

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  1. ^ "Honegger, Elise". Katalog der Deutschen Nationalbibliothek. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Honegger, Elise". Historischen Lexikon der Schweiz (in German). Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  3. ^ a b "Elise Honegger (1839-1912)". Avenir Suisse (in French). 22 July 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2019.