Founded in Rome in 1896 by a group of women, including Elisa Agnini, Giacinta Martini Marescotti, Alina Albani, Virginia Nathan, Maria Montessori and Eva De Vincentiis, it was among the first to deal with women's civic and political rights.
It played a major role in developing emancipation in Italy and functioned until the advent of fascism.
During the First World War, under the leadership of Alice Schiavoni Bosio, the association operated a legal service for refugees.
[5] By 1920, there were branches throughout Italy, helping women to use all legal means to enjoy the same rights as men.
[6] Other women who were active in the organization included Valeria Benetti Brunelli, Teresa Labriola, Anna Maria Mozzoni, Irma Melany Scodnik and Adele Albani Tondi.