Teresa Mañé Miravent (1865-1939), also known by the pseudonym Soledad Gustavo, was a prominent Spanish teacher, writer, and anarchist activist. From a very young age, she committed herself to secular and rationalist education, founding a school for girls in Vilanova i la Geltrú (1887-1891) and another coeducational school for boys and girls in Reus (1891-1897).
As director and editor of La Revista Blanca (1898-1905 and 1923-1936), one of the most influential libertarian publications and publishers of her time, as well as many other periodicals, Mañé played a crucial role in spreading anarchism. Likewise, her collaboration with some of the most influential figures of the time and with publications such as La Voz de la Mujer or La Questione Sociale in Argentina demonstrate the transnational impact of her thought. She was one of the earliest figures to promote anarcho-feminism on both continents. Throughout her life, she published nearly 700 articles in more than 40 different publications.
Mañé advocated for women’s emancipation and free love, criticizing oppressive structures in both private and public spheres. In some of her writings, she defended gender equality and denounced violence against women, considering it a direct consequence of patriarchal structures. In this regard, she also viewed education as a fundamental tool for women’s liberation, aligning her ideas with the fight for emotional or sexual freedom.
Teresa Mañé’s life, marked by financial difficulties, exile, and constant displacement that took her to London, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, and Perpignan, was full of challenges and resilience. After the loss of several daughters in their infancy, Mañé devoted much of her energy to her daughter Federica Montseny, who would become the first female minister in Spain’s history.
After crossing the border at the end of the Spanish Civil War, Teresa Mañé Miravent passed away in exile on February 5, 1939.
Associate Professor of Contemporary History at the Rovira i Virgili University