The life story of Friederike Fliedner

Abstract

Friederike Fliedner, born Münster, is one of the 19th century's many Christian women, who have been long forgotten. In the history of nursing, she is best known as the wife of the Reverend Theodor Fliedner, the founder of the Protestant Nursing Sister movement, and as his assistant in this work. Although the couple started the movement together, Friederike Fliedner's contribution was particularly comprehensive, and this was crucial in the foundation of both professional nursing and women's rights for an independent position. Despite the brevity of Friederike Fliedner's influence on these two important areas, taking place between 1836 and 1842, her contribution was so significant that it has a relevance for nursing and for women today.