Breaking into the Men’s World

Abstract

The paper delves into stereotypes and prejudice surrounding the initial female students at Zagreb’s Royal University of Francis Joseph I during the early 20th century. Across the region, including Croatia, access to universities was a challenge for women due to debates concerning their perceived roles. Although women gained admission to the University in 1895, it was limited to part-time status. However, a positive turn occurred in September 1901, allowing women to enroll as full-time students at the Faculty of Philosophy in Zagreb. Examining contemporary stereotypes and prejudices, this contribution explores whether these women conformed to prevailing biases or navigated past them based on their experiences. Additionally, the paper will explore the reactions triggered by their presence at the university. Drawing from private sources like correspondence and memoirs, the paper will shed light on the firsthand experiences of these pioneering female students in an academic setting predominantly male. It aims to discuss women’s higher education in Croatia within the context of prevailing European stereotypes, particularly in Central Europe.