Czech Women’s Production Association

One of the key events in the journey of Czech women towards emancipation was the establishment of the Czech Women’s Production Association in 1871. In contrast to other women’s associations such as the American Ladies’ Club, primarily associated with wealthier classes, the Czech Women’s Production Association aimed to reach out to the poorest. Its significant ambition and goal were to improve the fate of women so that they could support themselves, take care of their children, manage money, and not be dependent on men. Under the auspices of the association, a craft and trade school was opened for these women, initially operating in the building of a former elementary school on Spálená Street. Soon, due to unprecedented success and a good financial situation, there were considerations for constructing their own building. During Eliška Krásnohorská being in charge, the association acquired a plot of land in 1894 from the decommissioned St. Wenceslas Prison and approached architect Josef Blecha for the design.