Vilma Hugonnai – The First Female Doctor in Hungary – Budapest

Fact of the Hungarian figure „Terezia Brunszvik and the First Hungarian Kindergarten”

Part of the „The emancipation of women” topic

Vilma Hugonnai (1847-1922) is the first female doctor who got her medical training certificate accepted in Hungary. From a young age, Hugonnai showed a strong interest in medical science, reading extensively on the subject. Hugonnai learned from the news that University of Zurich accepted women into its medical program. She enrolled to medical training in Zurich and received her degree in 1879. Subsequently, her medical degree was denied to be accepted as the law did not allow women to practice medicine in Hungary. Therefore, she took midwifery exams and worked as a midwife. After divorcing she remarried to Vince Wartha who was a chemist and a supporter of Hugonnai’s efforts to work as a doctor. As a result of uncompromising efforts Hugonnai officially became Hungary’s first female doctor in 1897. She also promoted general health education and published a series of articles in favor of women’s higher education. She was also a strong advocate for women’s equality in all professions. Hugonnai’s legacy is not only as a trailblazer in the field of medicine but also as a key figure in the broader fight for women’s rights in Hungary. Her efforts helped pave the way for future generations of women to achieve success in areas previously dominated by men.