Louisa Hubbard

Who was Louisa Hubbard?

Louisa Maria Hubbard was an English feminist social reformer and writer. She is best known for her activism for increased opportunities for women's education and employment.

Born into a wealthy merchant family in Russia, she moved to England as a young girl and remained there for most of her life. She never married and devoted her time to social activism. She made use of her wealth to fund numerous women's causes. She began her activism in the Anglican deaconess movement in the 1860s. There she organized members and raised awareness of the goals of the movement.

Hubbard then began promoting elementary education as a career for women. Though much of English genteel society was scornful of this profession, Hubbard capitalized on increased awareness of the demand for elementary teachers. She then helped to establish a college to train women as elementary teachers. She was concerned that many women were unable to find work as teachers due to poor educational practices. After establishing the college for teachers, she began promoting other careers for women. Hubbard spent much of her life promoting employment opportunities for women who had to work to support themselves.