Anna Howard Shaw Biography

Anna Howard Shaw was an American physician and a leader of the women’s suffrage movement in the United States. A multifaceted personality, she was also one of the first ordained female Methodist ministers in her country. An independent minded intelligent woman, she strongly believed in gender equality and championed for the rights of women. Along with Susan B. Anthony, another noted feminist, she was one of the chief leaders of the National American Woman Suffrage Association. An emotionally mature and hardworking person from a young age, Shaw had risen from a difficult childhood to become a well-educated and self-confident woman. She began her career as a school teacher and later realized that her true interest lay in preaching. She followed her heart even though her family frowned upon her decision. Eventually she achieved ordination in the Methodist Protestant Church and became a successful preacher. Following this she pursued her education in medicine and became a physician. By this time she grew interested in the women’s suffrage movement which was gaining prominence in the U.S. and became an outspoken advocate of political rights for women. The cause of women’s suffrage was the one closest to her heart and she dedicated the rest of her life campaigning for this cause.