Google Doodle: Celebrates Matilde Hidalgo de Procel

The present Doodle celebrates Ecuadorian doctor, poet, and activist Matilde Hidalgo de Procel, who was born on this day in 1889 in the city of Loja and turned into the first lady to vote in Latin America in 1924.

Motivating her local Ecuador to turn into the first Latin American state to concede suffrage to all ladies, this trailblazing pioneer for ladies’ privileges smashed through glass ceilings all through her whole lifetime, likewise turning into the main female Ecuadorian doctor on this day in 1921.

The most youthful of six youngsters raised by a widowed seamstress, Procel tried to proceed with her education past 6th grade. Her more seasoned sibling Antonio mentioned that his sister be permitted to go to secondary school with him, and the Director of Bernardo Valdivieso School conceded their desire. Regardless of being ostracized by her peers, Procel continued on, graduating with honors in 1913.

She proceeded to study medicine at the Universidad del Azuay (presently known as University of Cuenca), and the Central University, turning into the first female doctor in Ecuadorian history.

By marking the register of voters in 1924, Procel set up for one more “first.” When the State Council scrutinized her entitlement to vote, she called attention to that Ecuador’s Constitution makes no notice of gender as a prerequisite for voting—just citizenship, age, and proficiency.

Her argument was attested by consistent vote, guaranteeing that both Procel and Ecuador would go down in history.

After a lifetime of administration, Procel eventually ran for public office, turning into Ecuador’s first female elected official in 1941. The Ecuadorian government granted her the Medal of Merit and the Medal of Public Health, while her old hometown of Loja built up a museum in her respect.