# Aletta Jacobs

> Dutch physician and feminist, editor (1854–1929)

**Wikidata**: [Q463478](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q463478)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aletta_Jacobs)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aletta-jacobs

## Summary
Aletta Jacobs was a Dutch physician and feminist, editor (1854–1929). She was a prominent advocate for women's rights, particularly in education and healthcare, and co-founded the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom. Her activism helped shape progressive policies in the Netherlands and beyond.

## Biography
- Born: February 9, 1854, in Groningen, Netherlands
- Nationality: Dutch
- Education: Studied medicine at the University of Groningen
- Known for: Advocating for women's rights, founding the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom
- Employer(s): University of Groningen, various feminist organizations
- Field(s): Medicine, feminism, women's rights

## Contributions
- Co-founded the **Women's International League for Peace and Freedom** in 1915, a global organization advocating for women's rights and peace.
- Established the **Aletta Jacobs Prize**, an award for female academics in the Netherlands.
- Advocated for women's access to higher education and professional careers in medicine.
- Published works on feminist theory and women's health, influencing medical and social policies.

## FAQs
**What was Aletta Jacobs's primary field of work?**
Aletta Jacobs was a physician and feminist. She practiced medicine while also advocating for women's rights in education and healthcare.

**Where did Aletta Jacobs study medicine?**
She studied at the University of Groningen, one of the oldest universities in the Netherlands.

**What major organization did Aletta Jacobs help found?**
She co-founded the **Women's International League for Peace and Freedom** in 1915, which became a key player in global feminist movements.

**What award was named in her honor?**
The **Aletta Jacobs Prize** was established in her name to recognize female academics in the Netherlands.

**How did Aletta Jacobs influence women's education?**
She campaigned for women's access to higher education and professional careers, particularly in medicine, pushing for reforms in Dutch universities.

## Why They Matter
Aletta Jacobs was a pioneering figure in feminist activism, particularly in the Netherlands and internationally. Her work helped establish women's rights as a global movement, influencing policies on education, healthcare, and peace. The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, which she co-founded, remains a major organization in feminist history. Her legacy continues through the Aletta Jacobs Prize, which honors outstanding female academics, ensuring her contributions remain relevant in academic and social spheres.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of the **Women's International League for Peace and Freedom** (1915), a landmark organization in feminist history.
- Establishment of the **Aletta Jacobs Prize** (Dutch award for female academics).
- Advocate for women's access to higher education and professional careers in medicine.
- Influential publisher of feminist and medical works in the early 20th century.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Aletta Henriëtte Gerritsen, later known as Aletta Jacobs, was born on February 9, 1854, in Groningen, Netherlands. She studied medicine at the University of Groningen, one of the oldest universities in the country, where she earned her medical degree. Her academic background laid the foundation for her dual career as a physician and feminist.

### Career in Medicine
Jacobs practiced medicine, advocating for women's health and professional opportunities. She recognized the need for medical education for women and worked to expand access to higher education for women in the Netherlands.

### Feminist Activism
In 1915, Jacobs co-founded the **Women's International League for Peace and Freedom**, a global organization dedicated to women's rights and peace. The league became a key player in feminist movements, influencing policies on gender equality and international diplomacy.

### Advocacy for Women's Rights
Jacobs campaigned for women's access to higher education and professional careers, particularly in medicine. She pushed for reforms in Dutch universities, ensuring women could pursue medical degrees and establish careers in the field.

### Legacy and Honors
The **Aletta Jacobs Prize** was established in her honor to recognize female academics in the Netherlands. Her contributions to feminist activism and women's rights have left a lasting impact on social and medical policies.

### Publications and Influence
Jacobs published works on feminist theory and women's health, influencing medical and social policies. Her writings and activism helped shape progressive movements in the Netherlands and beyond, ensuring her legacy as a trailblazer in feminist history.

## References

1. [WeChangEd](https://www.wechanged.ugent.be/wechanged-database/)
2. Integrated Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. CiNii Research
7. [Source](https://modemuze.nl/blog/mode-marteling-het-korsetdebat-van-vroeger-en-nu)
8. Dutch National Monument List
9. Aletta Henriëtte Jacobs. Biografisch Portaal
10. SNAC
11. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
12. Base biographique
13. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
14. Swedish Open Cultural Heritage
15. Online Dictionary of Dutch Women
16. [Source](http://www.entoen.nu/alettajacobs)
17. [Brief van Aletta Jacobs aan koningin Emma, 13 november 1913. 1913](https://www.koninklijkeverzamelingen.nl/collectie-online/detail/536670ee-11e8-51b2-bc77-770ee7b82ce5)