Ellen Anckarsvärd was to become one of the most notable figures in the first generation of the organized women's movement in Sweden.

In 1874–1896, she served as member of the board of the literary society Läsesalongen (Reading Parlor), and from 1896 as its chairperson.

In 1884, she was one of the co-founders of the Fredrika Bremer Association, the main women's rights organization in the 19th century.

She served as Chairperson of the Women's Committee of the Chicago Exhibition, and member of the Klara Parish charitable society, the Deaconesses institution and the board of Idun magazine.

Ellen Key describe her as a frail blonde with a delicate constitution and a calm temperament, reserved and humble, but with an astonishing intelligence and will force, and an ability to focus on the matter at hand.