Nawojka

Nawojka was, according to legend, the first woman to study at the University of Krakow (then called the Kraków Academy) in Poland during the Middle Ages.

Her story is largely based on folklore and historical uncertainty, with concrete documentary evidence of her existence remaining elusive. The traditional narrative describes her as disguising herself as a man in order to attend the university in the 15th century, as women were barred from higher education at the time. She is said to have excelled in her studies, deceiving her fellow students and professors for an unspecified period.

Eventually, her true gender was supposedly discovered, the circumstances of which vary depending on the version of the tale. Some accounts claim she revealed herself voluntarily, while others say she was exposed. The legend typically concludes with her entering a convent as penance or to avoid scandal.

While Nawojka's story is a compelling one, it is important to note that many historians consider her to be a figure of legend rather than confirmed historical fact. The lack of corroborating evidence in university records and contemporary documents casts doubt on the veracity of her story. Nevertheless, she has become a symbol of female empowerment and the pursuit of education in the face of adversity, particularly in Poland. Her name is often invoked when discussing the history of women in academia and the challenges they faced throughout history.