AVVOCATESSA

LAWYER | ACTIVIST | HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE

Lidia Poët's life story is a remarkable tale of perseverance and groundbreaking achievements in the face of societal and legal obstacles. As Italy's first female lawyer, Poët navigated immense challenges to pursue her passion for law and advocacy for women's rights.

Her early years were marked by both academic excellence and determination. After passing her law exams in 1881, Poët faced an unprecedented barrier when the Italian legal system disbarred her simply because she was a woman. Despite this setback, she continued to work in the legal field, collaborating with her brother, Enrico, and contributing significantly to his practice. Although Poët was unable to officially sign documents or represent clients in court, she remained deeply involved in the legal work, playing an integral role in her brother's firm.

Poët's commitment to advancing women's rights went beyond her legal work. She was a passionate advocate for women's suffrage and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Consiglio Nazionale delle Donne Italiane (National Council of Italian Women) in 1903. Her efforts helped pave the way for Italian women to gain the right to vote in 1945, just a few years before her death.

Despite her official recognition as a lawyer only at the age of 65, Poët's impact extended far beyond the courtroom. Her dedication to empowering women, her intellectual contributions, and her unwavering pursuit of equality made her a pioneering figure in both the legal profession and the women's rights movement.