Development of Primary and Vocational Education for Women in Mykolaiv Region in Documents of the Fonds of Ancient Acts of the State Archives of Mykolaiv Region

The purpose of the study is to highlight the history of the development of women's education in Mykolaiv Region in the period before 1917 based on the analysis of archival documents from the old records fonds of the State Archives of Mykolaiv Region. The methodology is based on the principles of historicism; a systematic approach and interdisciplinary methods were used, which made it possible to reveal the interconnection of educational processes with the social and economic needs of the region. The scientific novelty. For the first time, a comprehensive analysis of the activities of women's educational institutions in Mykolaiv Region in the 19th – early 20th centuries has been conducted, in particular, parish schools, pro-gymnasiums, and gymnasiums. Little-known aspects of the activities of these educational institutions have been revealed. Particular attention has been paid to their activities, organizational structure, socio-cultural influence, and the participation of military and civil administrations in the formation of primary education for women. For the first time, a quantitative analysis of students in the region's educational institutions has been carried out, based on which the percentage of girls among students has been determined and its dynamics over the studied period have been traced. A special emphasis has been placed on examining the organization of the activities of educational institutions for girls, their social significance, and their impact on the educational and cultural development of the region. European trends in women's education that influenced the local educational context have been taken into account. Prospects for further studies lie in exploring the interaction of women's education with other social institutions of the region, in particular, the role of religious communities, public organizations, and private initiatives in the creation and financing of educational institutions. The conclusions. Women's educational institutions in Mykolaiv Region corresponded to general European trends regarding the expansion of educational opportunities for women. They contributed to the formation of new social standards, the preparation of women for professional life, and the expansion of their participation in social development.