# Femke Halsema

> Dutch mayor of Amsterdam and former political leader of GroenLinks

**Wikidata**: [Q288283](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q288283)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Femke_Halsema)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/femke-halsema

## Summary
Femke Halsema is a Dutch former political leader of GroenLinks and mayor of Amsterdam. She served as the mayor of Amsterdam from 2017 to 2023, making her the first openly LGBTQ+ mayor of the city. She is also a columnist, writer, and criminologist, contributing to public discourse on social and political issues.

## Biography
- Born: April 25, 1966
- Nationality: Dutch
- Education:
  - Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology from Utrecht University (1989)
  - Master’s degree in Criminology and Sociology from Utrecht University (1992)
- Known for: Leading GroenLinks, serving as mayor of Amsterdam, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice
- Employer(s):
  - GroenLinks (political party)
  - Municipality of Amsterdam (as mayor)
- Field(s): Political leadership, criminology, sociology, public policy

## Contributions
- Served as the leader of GroenLinks, a Dutch political party, contributing to national policy discussions on environmentalism, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
- As mayor of Amsterdam (2017–2023), implemented progressive policies, including LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives and social welfare reforms.
- Published articles and columns on criminology, sociology, and political commentary, shaping public debate on social issues.
- Advocated for gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights, making Amsterdam a more inclusive city.

## FAQs
**What political party did Femke Halsema lead?**
Femke Halsema led GroenLinks, a Dutch political party known for its progressive stance on environmentalism, social justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.

**Where did Femke Halsema study?**
She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Criminology and Sociology from Utrecht University.

**What was Femke Halsema’s role in Amsterdam?**
She served as the mayor of Amsterdam from 2017 to 2023, becoming the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ mayor.

**What fields is Femke Halsema known for?**
She is known for her work in criminology, sociology, political leadership, and public policy, particularly in LGBTQ+ rights and social justice.

**Has Femke Halsema written or published work?**
Yes, she has contributed as a columnist and writer, publishing articles and commentaries on social and political issues.

## Why They Matter
Femke Halsema’s leadership as mayor of Amsterdam broke barriers by being openly LGBTQ+, setting a precedent for inclusivity in Dutch politics. Her tenure saw the implementation of progressive policies, including LGBTQ+ rights initiatives and social welfare reforms, making Amsterdam a more equitable city. Her work in criminology and sociology also contributed to public discourse on social justice, influencing policy and advocacy efforts. Halsema’s legacy highlights the importance of LGBTQ+ representation in leadership and the role of progressive governance in addressing societal challenges.

## Notable For
- First openly LGBTQ+ mayor of Amsterdam (2017–2023)
- Leader of GroenLinks, a progressive Dutch political party
- Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice in Amsterdam
- Published contributor to criminology and sociology discussions
- Implementer of progressive policies in Amsterdam, including LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Femke Halsema was born on April 25, 1966, in the Netherlands. She pursued her academic interests in criminology and sociology, earning a bachelor’s degree from Utrecht University in 1989 and a master’s degree in the same field in 1992. Her educational background laid the foundation for her later work in social policy and public advocacy.

### Political Career
Halsema joined GroenLinks, a Dutch political party known for its progressive values, and rose to become its leader. She was elected mayor of Amsterdam in 2017, making history as the city’s first openly LGBTQ+ mayor. During her tenure, she focused on LGBTQ+ rights, social welfare, and environmental sustainability, implementing policies that reflected her party’s agenda.

### Public Writing and Advocacy
As a columnist and writer, Halsema contributed to public discourse on criminology, sociology, and political issues. Her writings reflected her commitment to social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, shaping conversations about policy and advocacy.

### Legacy in Amsterdam
Halsema’s leadership in Amsterdam was marked by progressive reforms, including LGBTQ+ inclusion initiatives and social welfare programs. Her tenure set a precedent for LGBTQ+ representation in Dutch municipal leadership, inspiring future generations of leaders. Her policies also contributed to Amsterdam’s reputation as a forward-thinking, inclusive city.

### Affiliations and Influence
Halsema’s affiliations with Utrecht University and Tilburg University underscored her academic and professional roots. Her work in criminology and sociology continued to influence policy and advocacy efforts, both in the Netherlands and internationally. Her legacy remains a testament to the power of LGBTQ+ leadership in shaping progressive governance.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.amsterdam.nl/toerisme-vrije-tijd/over-amsterdam/amsterdamse/)
2. [Femke Halsema](https://mensenachterhetnieuws.nl/femke-halsema/)
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. [Source](https://www.nrc.nl/nieuws/2019/09/13/dan-denk-ik-flikker-op-met-je-ambtswoning-a3973363)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. Source
7. Minutes of the session of the central electoral committee to determine the result of the election of the members of the House of Representatives
8. Proces-verbaal van de zitting van het centraal stembureau tot het vaststellen van de uitslag van de verkiezing van de leden van de Tweede Kamer
9. The Movie Database