Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Carmen Conde Abellán (15 August 1907 – 8 January 1996) achieved prominence as a Spanish poet, narrative writer, and educator. In 1931, she co-founded the inaugural Popular University of Cartagena alongside her husband, Antonio Oliver Belmás. Notably, she earned the distinction of becoming the first female academic numerary of the esteemed Real Academia Española. Her induction speech in 1979 marked a historic moment.
Early Years
At the tender age of 7, she relocated with her family to Melilla, a period that became the basis for her memoir “Empezando la vida.” In 1923, Carmen successfully passed the competitive exam for the role of Auxiliary at the Drafting Room of the Sociedad Española de Construcción Naval, commencing her professional journey there. Just a year later, she embarked on contributing to local newspapers. At 19, she commenced her educational pursuits at the Escuela Normal de Maestras de Murcia, a teacher training college.
Honoring Her Legacy
In the year 1984, Ediciones Torremozas, a publishing house, instituted the Carmen Conde Women’s Poetry Award as a tribute to her remarkable contributions.
Additionally, on the 15th of August, 2018, Google commemorated her 111th birthday by featuring a dedicated Google Doodle, further celebrating her impactful life and achievements.