Education of female children in Serbia with reference to Kosovo and Metohija til the First World War

Abstract

Basic education and training of female children in Serbia has a long tradition. It turned out that the institutional education of female children, which began in 1846, could not be kept only at the elementary level, because the overall development of the society and its requirements demanded the establishment of women?s vocational schools. Women?s vocational schools began operating back in 1863, and with interruptions during the wars, worked until 1948. Female society of Belgrade and many women?s societies across the country had an important role in the establishment and work of the women?s vocational schools, as well as the Ministry of Trade and Industry in the period between the two world wars. In the Ottoman period, the position of Christian women in the territory of Kosovo and Metohija was very difficult. They were mainly engaged in activities related to the family and household management. The neglect of women was the result of patriarchal relations and conservative views on their role and place in the society of the then Ottoman Empire. On the other hand, it was difficult to change the perception of parents that female children should also be educated. However, despite such perceptions and systemic problems, there were established in private homes in many cities in Kosovo and Metohija elementary schools for female children. Before the First World War, women?s elementary schools in Kosovo were established in Prizren, Pec, Pristina, Kosovska Mitrovica and Gjilan. Until the beginning of the World War I, women?s vocational schools also worked in Prizren, Kosovska Mitrovica and Gnjilane.