Rita Lobato Velho, professionally known as Rita Lobato, was a remarkable woman who shattered all the barriers in the 19th century and became the first woman to graduate with a medical degree in the country. Today, Google Doodle honours the pioneering woman on her 158th birthday with a special Doodle.
Google Doodle mentions: “This Doodle celebrates the 158th birthday of Dr. Rita Lobato Velho, the first woman to earn a medical degree and practice medicine in Brazil! She was also the second woman to become a doctor in all of South America, and a staunch advocate for women’s rights.”
Source: Google Doodle
Here is a deep dive into the life of Rita and how she became an advocate for women’s rights.
Early Life of Rita Lobato
Rita was born prematurely on June 7, 1866, to Francis Lobato Lopes and Rita Carolina Velho Lopes. She completed her high school education in Pelotas , State of Rio Grande do Sul. Since an early age, she had a strong inclination towards medicine.
Despite an imperial decree in 1879 allowing women to attend universities, the social norms of the era heavily restricted women to domestic roles.
Lobato, however, persevered. She joined the Faculty of Medicine in Rio de Janeiro, where her younger brother was studying pharmacy. However, there were problems with her teachers and classmates, which is why she transferred to the Faculty of Medicine in Salvador, Bahia, where she graduated with a medical degree in 1887.
Google Doodle mentions: “She spent a few years in Rio de Janeiro before moving to Salvador. There she attended the Federal University of Bahia, where faculty and colleagues welcomed her with open arms. Dr. Lobato Velho completed the six-year degree in just four and graduated on December 10, 1887 — becoming the first Brazilian woman to graduate in medicine.”
Career and Achievements
Focusing on obstetrics, Dr. Lobato Velho demonstrably championed women's health. Her services extended to women of all social classes, a stark contrast to the prevailing norms. She became known for her generosity, often providing both consultations and medicine at no cost to those in need.
Dr. Lobato Velho's passion extended beyond medicine. A vocal suffragist, she actively participated in feminist movements, advocating for the inclusion of female voters in the Electoral Code of 1932. Her fight for women's rights further solidified her legacy as a champion for equality.
Dr. Lobato Velho's unwavering determination and brilliance in the face of adversity paved the way for future generations of female physicians in Brazil. She is an inspiring figure, remembered not only for her medical expertise, but also for her unwavering commitment to empowering all women in Brazil.
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