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This March we mark 160 years since one of the most prominent Lithuanian women of her time, Gabriele Petkevicaite – Bite (1861-1943), was born.
In 1919, Bite was one of five women elected to the Parliament of Lithuania, and chaired its first session: “[…] as a woman who has acquired equal rights that we had been craving so much, as a member of the society who ceaselessly fought against all sorts of enslavement […] We understand well that our fate is in our hands and that all we have to trust in is ourselves; it is by our strength that we have to heal our old wounds and throughout tireless and organized labor we can rebuild." Bite became the first female presidential candidate in 1926. Later, she come back to Panevezys where her primary activity was teaching and supporting individuals from poor families, publishing articles, writing novels and maintaining women’s movement.
While at school in Panevezys, Alexandra Kalvenas (Kazickas) roomed in the same house as Bite who became Alexandra’s protector and mentor, without a doubt, having helped her develop self-worth and work ethics, instilled moral values and duty to her homeland. In 1992, Alexandra recalled time with Bite during her school years:
“I would have lunch with her (Bite) since my mother was working and did not have time to make a good dinner for me. [My mother] asked Bite to feed me and she paid her. Those were the most beautiful hours. The table was always beautifully set with a tablecloth, napkins and the best dishes. All table manners were required. We were served by a maid and all our conversations were high-minded, as we discussed daily events and life, culture, morals and education...“
On March 17, 1940, on a Birthday card to Bite Alexandra wrote:
“Dear Miss, Please, accept my most heartfelt wishes on the occasion of your Birthday and Name day. From the bottom of my heart, I hope you have many more beautiful years ahead of you while making us happy with your valuable work, while yourself, being worthy of peaceful constant happiness. I would like to express my gratitude to you and to Maryte for kind regards. I already live in Vilnius, while working at an office and studying. I have never forgotten [you] kind Missy, and continue respecting and loving you with all my heart. Please, send my regards to Maryte. Respectfully, Aleks. Kalvenaite".
In 1993 when the girls’ gymnasium was named after its architect Vytautas Landsbergis – Zemkalnis, in a letter to her classmate Elena Gobulaite, Alexandra wondered why the gymnasium had not been named after Bite.
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