Women at the University
Between 1920 and 1930, Spain saw a significant increase in women's literacy rates and their enrollment in college.
In the early 20th century, illiteracy was widespread among women. However, the expansion of elementary schools and educational reforms—which were further strengthened during the Second Republic—accelerated the process of learning to read and write.
1920
Among the youngest women (ages 16–20), literacy rates were just under 58%.
1930
Significant progress driven by primary education; more than 1 million people became literate during that decade.
1940
A steady decline thanks to the plan to build thousands of public schools.
GENDER GAP
In 1920, the literacy gap between men and women exceeded 10 percentage points. By 1930, the gap had narrowed dramatically in urban areas.
Access to university " programs of study "
Following theRoyal Decree of 1910, which allowed women to attend university without the need for special authorization management assistant , the number of female students grew exponentially.
1919–1920
345 women enrolled.
1927–1928
1,225 women enrolled.
1929–1930
1,744 women enrolled.
1932–1933
2,047 women enrolled.
The growth of women’s higher education ( student body ) was strongly supported by institutions such as the“residency program de Señoritas”(founded in 1915 by María de Maeztu) and theLyceum Club Femenino(1926), which provided accommodation, their own laboratories, libraries, and support networks for young female students who traveled to Madrid to pursue their programs of study higher education.
Estampa, May 1928. A feature story on female college students that reflects the rapid increase in the number of women attending college.
Although the first female college students initially chose majors related to the “ teaching,” the humanities, or the caregiving professions, they gradually gained a foothold in the sciences as well.
The chart at sample and the issue show the number of women enrolled at each degree program during the 1929–1930 academic year.