Mary Esslemont

Aberdeen, Scotland, 1891 - 1984

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About MeMary Esslemont
3 July 1891 - 25 August 1984
Doctor and founder of Soroptimist clubs in Africa

Mary Esslemont graduated in medicine from the University of Aberdeen in 1923. Known as Dr Mary, she was a tireless advocate for women’s rights, health education and family planning and an inspirational role model and pioneering doctor. As a Soroptimist, she was part of the volunteer movement founded in 1921, which supports the welfare of women and girls worldwide. Mary founded the first Soroptimist clubs in Africa.

She excelled in many areas and was the first female President of the Student Representative Council at the University of Aberdeen and the first woman elected to the University Court. In addition to her pioneering work in Aberdeen, Mary travelled widely throughout the world including to the Far East, Russia and Eastern Europe. She played an active part in many global charities and was especially concerned with the welfare of children.

In 1961 Mary became President of the Federation of Soroptimist Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland, travelling to Africa to found the first Soroptimist clubs on that continent. Her work championed education and health to improve the lives of women and girls living in Africa.
Additional InfoImage attribution: Mary Esslemont. Wellcome Collection. Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

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