Waser, Maria

Maria Waser (1878 - 1939, Switzerland) was one of the most influential voices in Swiss literature of the early 20th century. As the only girl at Bern's municipal school, she faced the challenges of a patriarchal society at an early age. After studying history and literature, she completed her doctorate at the University of Bern in 1902. In 1905, she married the archaeologist Otto Waser and published important works such as The Story of Anna Waser, which deals with universal themes such as identity and self-sacrifice. As editor of the cultural magazine Die Schweiz, she promoted young authors such as Albin Zollinger and Robert Walser. She died in Zollikon on 19 January 1939, shortly after receiving the City of Zurich Literature Prize in recognition of her literary legacy and commitment to women's rights.