Biography of Cornelia Sorabji | Early Life and Education - Legal Career - Advocacy and Social Work - Later Years and Legacy of Cornelia Sorabji

Biography of Cornelia Sorabji:

Cornelia Sorabji (15 November 1866 – 6 July 1954) was an Indian lawyer, social reformer, and the first woman to practice law in both India and Britain. She played a significant role in advocating for the rights of women and children, particularly in the legal system. 

Biography of Cornelia Sorabji

Here is a brief biography of Cornelia Sorabji:

Cornelia Sorabji's Early Life and Education:

Cornelia Sorabji was born in Nashik, India, into a Parsi family. Her father, Reverend Sorabji Karsedji, was a missionary, and her mother, Francina Ford, was a social worker. Cornelia and her siblings faced challenges growing up as they were often discriminated against due to their mixed-race heritage.

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In 1888, Cornelia Sorabji became the first woman to graduate from Bombay University. She later traveled to England to study law, facing initial resistance from the legal establishment. Eventually, she gained admission to Somerville College, Oxford, in 1892, becoming the first woman to read law at Oxford. However, she was not allowed to receive a degree because, at that time, Oxford did not award degrees to women.

Cornelia Sorabji's Legal Career:

Cornelia Sorabji's determination to become a lawyer led to her return to India, where she faced further challenges due to societal norms and gender discrimination. She became involved in social and legal work, particularly focusing on advocating for the rights of purdahnashins (women who lived in seclusion and were not allowed to interact with men outside their families).

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In 1894, Sorabji wrote to the Secretary of State for India, requesting permission to take the legal examination, and her efforts led to the passing of the "Legal Practitioners (Women) Act" in 1923, allowing women to practice law in India.

Throughout her legal career, Sorabji worked to provide legal assistance to women and children who faced injustice. She was appointed as a lady assistant to the Court of Wards in Bengal and later worked as legal advisor to the purdahnashins of the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Advocacy and Social Work:

Apart from her legal career, Cornelia Sorabji was deeply involved in social work and advocacy. She campaigned for the improvement of conditions in women's prisons and was a vocal proponent of women's rights. She also worked to promote education for women and was involved in the foundation of several schools.

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Later Years and Legacy of Cornelia Sorabji:

Cornelia Sorabji spent her later years in England. She wrote several books, including her autobiography titled "India Calling" (1934). Sorabji continued to advocate for social and legal reform until her death.

Cornelia Sorabji passed away on 6 July 1954 in London. Her legacy lives on as a pioneering figure in the legal profession, breaking gender barriers and working tirelessly for the rights of marginalized individuals, especially women. Her contributions to the legal and social landscape of India paved the way for future generations of women in the legal field.

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