Women around the world fight for equal rights and opportunities. In Amsterdam, women have made and continue to make a difference. For instance, Joke Smit, Carla Lont, and Aaïcha Bergamin. They advocate for womens rights, equal opportunities, and equal rights for LGBTIQ+ individuals.
March 8 is International Women’s Day. A great opportunity to highlight women who have influenced society with their voices and actions.
Joke Smit – Fight for Equal Rights
Joke Smit (1933-1981) grew up at a time when women were primarily housewives and mothers. But she wanted more. In 1967, she wrote the article The Discontent of Women. This piece sparked a significant feminist movement in the Netherlands.
Together with later politician Hedy dAncona, she founded the action group Man Woman Society (MVM) in 1968. This group grew rapidly, especially in Amsterdam. Thanks to their efforts, much changed:
- Legal basis for equal pay for men and women
- Better access to childcare
- More women in political and administrative positions
Even after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 1980, Joke continued to fight. She advocated for womens economic independence and greater acceptance of part-time work as a first step towards equality between men and women. In Amsterdam, the Joke Smitstraat in Bijlmer serves as a reminder of her work. Her ideas continue to resonate in the feminist movement.
Carla Lont – Documenting History for Everyone
Carla Lont (1944-1999) was born in Paramaribo at a time when Suriname was still a colony of the Netherlands. Many important documents about Suriname are kept in the Netherlands. Carla believed that Suriname should have its own archive to document its history.
As head of archives at the Surinamese Ministry of Education, she set up a documentation center. She taught others how to preserve archives. It’s a field dominated by men, but Carla did not let that stop her, as archives preserve the history of a nation.
After the coup in Suriname in 1980, Carla moved to the Netherlands. In Amsterdam, she worked at Atria, the knowledge center for women’s emancipation. There, she ensured that the stories of black migrant and refugee women were documented. She believed that people of color deserved more representation.
In 2006, Suriname finally got a National Archive. Carla passed away in 1999 and did not witness this, but her work ensured that the history of Suriname is better preserved and accessible for future generations.
Aaïcha Bergamin – Pioneer for Transgender Rights
Aaïcha Bergamin (1932-2014) was one of the first openly advocates for transgender rights in the Netherlands. She was born as Leonhard Bergamin but always felt like a woman. At 17, she was caught dancing in womens clothing. She was then forcibly committed to a clinic, where she underwent harsh treatments. Ultimately, she fled to Paris to escape.
In Amsterdam’s nightlife, Aaïcha later became a beloved figure. But her greatest struggle took place outside the spotlight: the recognition of her womanhood. In the 1970s, she underwent gender-confirming surgery. Afterwards, she fought for years to have her gender changed on her passport. This seemed nearly impossible, but thanks to her perseverance, she succeeded.
Aaïcha’s determination contributed to the recognition of transgender rights in the Netherlands. I haven’t changed; I’ve just become myself, she says. Her courage continues to inspire many. In her year of death, the Transgender Act was introduced. From that point on, transgender individuals can change their gender on their passport without severe conditions.
Women Who Make a Difference
On March 8, we think of women like Joke, Carla, and Aaïcha. Their stories show how important it is to stand up for equal rights. At the Amsterdam Museum, the exhibition Women of Amsterdam – an Ode can be seen. Here, their stories and those of other influential women are told. The exhibition runs until June 1, 2025.
Photo at the top: Joke Smit (National Archive, General Dutch Photo Bureau, Rob C).