Origins & Early Life

Aletta Henriëtte Jacobs (Dutch pronunciation: [aːˈlɛtaː ɦɑ̃ːriˈjɛtə ˈjaːkɔps]; 9 February 1854 – 10 August 1929) was a Dutch physician and women's suffrage activist. As the first woman officially to attend a Dutch university, she became one of the first female physicians in the Netherlands. In 1882, she founded the world's first birth control clinic and was a leader in both the Dutch and international women's movements. She led campaigns aimed at deregulating prostitution, improving women's working conditions, promoting peace and calling for women's right to vote.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Born in the mid-nineteenth century, Jacobs yearned to become a doctor like her father. Despite existing barriers, she fought to gain entry to higher education and graduated in 1879 with the first doctorate in medicine earned by a woman in the Netherlands. Providing medical services to women and children, she grew concerned over the health of working women, recognizing that as laws did not provide adequate protection for their health, their economic stability was compromised. She opened a free clinic to educate poor women about hygiene and child care and in 1882 expanded her services to include distribution of contraception...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Arthur Rimbaud — Contemporary (Born in 1854) (1854): Transgressive French poet whose work profoundly influenced modern literature and surrealism.
• Charles Algernon Parsons — Contemporary (Born in 1854) (1854): Pioneering inventor of the modern steam turbine, revolutionizing marine and electrical power.
• Christiaan de Wet — Contemporary (Born in 1854) (1854): Prominent Boer general, rebel leader, and politician of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
• Alasdair MacIntyre — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Influential Scottish-American philosopher known for virtue ethics and political theory.
• André Previn — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Versatile American musician, composer, and conductor mastering jazz, film, and classical forms.
• Anna Walentynowicz — Contemporary (Born in 1929) (1929): Polish trade unionist and co-founder of Solidarity, key figure in Polish independence.
• Adolf Galland — Shared historical date (02-09 · Died) (1996): German Luftwaffe general and celebrated flying ace of World War II.
• Adolph Menzel — Shared historical date (02-09 · Died) (1905): Pioneering German Realist master, celebrated for his detailed etchings and genre scenes.
• Adah Isaacs Menken — Shared historical date (08-10 · Died) (1868): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Antonio Banderas — Shared historical date (08-10 · Born) (1960): Esteemed Spanish actor celebrated for his versatility across film and stage.
• 1854 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1854
• February 9 (02-09) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on February 9
• 1929 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1929
• August 10 (08-10) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on August 10