I have encountered Aletta Henriëtte Jacobs (9 February 1854 – 10 August 1929) several times when visiting museums. But I never knew how significant her role is in the history of the Netherlands.
Described as a true trailblazer being the first female doctor in the Netherlands – completed full academic degree programme but also an advocate for contraception and a fighter for women’s suffrage.
In 1869, Aletta Jacobs heard that she could register for the pharmacist’s apprentice after another woman was permitted to do so. At the time, there was no possibility of higher education for women. Jacobs yearned to become a doctor like her father. She passed the pharmacist’s apprentice exam in 1870. She wanted more.
Jacobs realized that there was no rule stating that women were not allowed to study. So, she wrote a letter to Prime Minister Thorbecke to ask if she could study medicine at the university. The liberal prime minister responded with a letter addressed to her father instead, asking him what he think of his daughter’s plan.
Jacobs got permission to study for a year trial period. Thorbecke eventually granted her continuation to study further and take the exams. On 20 April 1871, Jacobs became the first woman in the Netherlands to enrol for a degree course and it was at the University of Groningen.
On 8 March 1879, Aletta Jacobs became the first Dutch woman to complete a full university academic education in the Netherlands and received a medical degree in the country.
As a general practitioner, she founded the world’s first birth control clinic on the Herengracht Canal in Amsterdam, in 1882. She gave free consultation hours to poor women, spoke about contraception and provided them contraceptive device – a Dutch pessary or Dutch cap (introduced the cervical cap) free of charge. She spoke freely about prostitution and women’s suffrage. Quite revolutionary at the time!
In 1899, she published a book entitled “De vrouw, haar bouw en haar inwendige organen: aanschouwelijk voorgesteld door beweegbare platen en met geïllustreerden, verklarenden tekst. Een populaire schets”. When translated: Woman, Her Structure and Internal Organs. Graphically represented by moving prints, and with illustrated, explanatory text. A popular outline. The title is a mouthful!!
Nevertheless, a very special anatomy book showcasing comprehensive details about female bodies and their functions. The first of such a book!
Jacobs retired from her medical practice in 1903, thereafter devoting her time to women’s suffrage.
By 1911, Jacobs went on a world tour together with the American feminist, Carrie Chapman Catt. She travelled as far as South Africa, Egypt and Japan to visit other feminist associations and conferences, to fight for women and women’s suffrages.
In 1915, she organised the International Women’s Congress in The Hague, bringing 1100 women together from twelve countries to speak about peace. That resulted in the establishment of an organization which would become the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF). Finally, a women’s suffrage bill was adopted and signed by Queen Wilhelmina on 18 September 1919.
Right here at the University Museum Groningen, I came across a refurbished room of Aletta Jacobs. This consultation room contains several of her personal belongings on display, part of the permanent collection.
At the far end of the corner, there was a battered trunk which she took with her on the world journey as far as China and South Africa.
Her desk by the door was the main feature. She must have written books, articles and letters at this desk. It was probably used during her consultations when she was a general practitioner. The letter from J.R. Thorbecke from 1871, in which Aletta received permission to study medicine, is also on display on this desk.
Can you imagine, for over 50 years Jacobs fought for women’s suffrage?
“Fighting for what is right, makes life worth living.”
Completely changed women’s rights movement in the Netherlands and the world!
I am glad I took the time and dive further into her life. What an amazing woman!!
📍Universiteitsmuseum Groningen
Oude Kijk in ‘t Jatstraat 7a. 9712 EA Groningen.
Website: https://www.rug.nl/museum/
Aletta was a hero who changed society. She brought equality and freedom to women in The Netherlands.