Aletta Jacobs
If you don't know who Aletta Jacobs is then LISTEN UP because she's amazing. Aletta Jacobs was a Dutch physician, feminist, and activist. She was the first woman to in the Netherlands to earn her medical degree (girl boss!) and she was an important figure for women's suffrage. She worked hard to get women voting rights in the Netherlands and this initiative was successful in 1919! She promoted social reforms for women, including calling for laws that made breaks mandatory in retail work. One of her most prominent accomplishments is the fact that she founded the very first birth control clinic in the world and provided access to contraception for women in poverty. She also advocated for women in difficult situations, such as prostitutes, giving a voice to those that couldn't speak up for themselves. Basically she is a huge driving force for why women's rights are where they are today.
Aletta Jacobs' contributions were extremely important and changed her country immensely. She knocked down barriers everywhere she went! She paved the way for women in higher education. Her activism changed life for women in the Netherlands by making it a better and more equal place for them to live. She empowered all women by advocating for women's ability to vote. Her efforts to provide access to birth control also gave women more power over their bodily autonomy. Her tireless efforts throughout her life to change society for the better not only impacted gender equality in the Netherlands, but all over the world.
Even though all of her accomplishments are absolutely incredible, I bet that most people don't know Aletta Jacob's name or who she is - I didn't. Even her house, which I took a picture next to, did not have a plaque or anything. From what I found, I think that she may have a statue somewhere and she is probably commemorated in more ways throughout the Netherlands, but I think that she should be commemorated more worldwide. Her example sparked initiative throughout the world and gave an example to other women of what is possible when you advocate for yourself and your rights.
Lovely post Lilly dear! Learning about Aletta Jacobs has definitely deepened my understanding of Amsterdam as a cultural capital because it shows that there was a lot of change made there that has benefited people around the world. And I love how you said she can inspire other women to advocate for themselves! She definitely is a great role model for not only women in Amsterdam, but any woman who learns about her.
ReplyDeleteAletta went through every barrier she could. As you said, a driving force for women’s suffrage and rights. She faced the challenge of trying to get a degree, advocated for women to vote, and fought for women’s higher education. She made tremendous steps forward for women that have paid off for today. We have more rights now than we did then. All because of her efforts. Loved learning about her!
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