THE BELGIAN WOMAN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17139, 19 April 1919, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE BELGIAN WOMA N.

The socioty woman in Belgium is fond of dabbling in art and literature, but it u to the exercise of charity that she principally devotes herself. She carries on certain good works which have been in existence for years, such as creches, orphanages, schools, the giving of assistance to the aged and infirm, and, ip addition, she has founded many cither philanthropic institutions. The Belgian woman of today possesses the initiative which her ancestors lacked. It in this initiative which enables her to push forward along the road of well-doing and to interest herself in social undertakings for the moral enlightenment of women less fortunate than herself, ai well as for the betterment of their surroundings. There is a vast movement on foot to lighten female labour, taking into regard »he age and trade of the workers, and to raise their present low standard of wages. Tbeee social workers do not hesitate to consult with men experts concerning housing and other matters, and there is no doubt they obtain better results by so doing. . Social work, however, is not limited to the betterment of working-claw life, but includes the teaching of household management and hygiene, the responsibilities of motherhood, and the care of children, and how best to struggle against the drink habit.

Are there in Belgium many women competent to take up such work?

The Queen leads the Way. As a matter of fact, there are a great number, the majority of whom shrin from advertising their work in any shape 01 form; almost, it' might be said, they do good in secret. Foremost among these is the Queen Elizabeth, who takes a practical interest in the most serious problems and questions relating to women. As is wellknown, she is ably seconded in her efforts by the ladies of her court. All this might be called social feminism as compared to political feminism, and both parties wish 10 attain the same ends, but by distinctly different methods. There are numerous openings in Belgium for girls to enter business life as stenographers, dressmakers, makers of artificial flowers, or whatever other trade 01 profession their tastes and capabilities dictate!

There are commercial courses for, girls in the professional schools, and the pupils who gain a diploma find it to be a useful asset in their business life. "Les Ecoles Normales de l'Etat" are for training school teachers, a satisfying ca'eer for intelligent and persevering girls. The Academy and the Conservatoire offer advantages to students of art and music respectively. Then there are certain girls who take up higher education in the universities and study law and medicine. They can, however, only become consulting lawyers, as up to the present no woman has been admitted to the Bar in Belgium. AS' to medicine, it does not hold out very many opportunities, as men doctors are so numerous that there would be but few openings for women. Without doubt there is, however, every chance for Belgian women to-day to attain through their own efforts responsible and progressive work of many and various kinds.