“Koekjesbrug” once connected ‘s-Gravesandestraat with Korte ‘s-Gravesandestraat. Now, it proudly bears a new name. It is now known as Dorelies Kraakmanbrug. This bridge honors a remarkable woman.
Dorelies Kraakman was a feminist and university lecturer. Her story is one of fighting for women’s rights and equality. She made significant contributions to Amsterdam and beyond.
Kraakman’s activism began shortly after graduation. She challenged the city of Utrecht. The city refused to recognize her as a breadwinner. They denied her unemployment benefits. This legal battle ignited her passion for justice.
In 1975, Kraakman co-founded the Heksenkelder in Utrecht. It was a bookstore, cafe and publishing house for women. This space became a hub for feminist ideas. It empowered women.
Kraakman also safeguarded early materials for the Lesbisch Archief. This Lesbian Archive was at her home on Prinsengracht. She fought for a dedicated space for it. Her dedication ensured the preservation of lesbian history.
Moreover, Kraakman co-founded Mama Cash. This fund supports women’s initiatives worldwide. From 1987, she lectured in Homo and Lesbian Studies at the UvA. She helped establish this academic field.
The bridge’s previous nickname reveals a piece of its past. It was called Koekjesbrug because an earlier version was moved here in 1911. This earlier bridge came from West Amsterdam. It moved to East Amsterdam.
Before that, in 1890, architect Cornelis Bombach proposed a footbridge. He offered to build it at his own expense. It was initially named Kippenbrug. This is an old Amsterdam term for a pedestrian bridge.
The Koekjesbrug needed replacement in 1963. The city allocated over 600000 guilders for a new bridge. Dirk Sterenberg designed the current bridge. He worked for Publieke Werken. Tram rails were added in 1983.
In 2016, the city revoked unofficial bridge names. They called for new names related to the city and its surroundings. This led to the bridge being named after Dorelies Kraakman.
Other old names for Dorelies Kraakmanbrug include Diemerbrug and Kankerbrug. These names appear in old archives. There is also an unofficial Nieuwe Koekjesbrug. It is near Sportpark Nieuwe Diep. The official Koekjesbrug is near Bosboom Toussaintstraat.
Dorelies Kraakman’s legacy lives on through this bridge. It reminds us of her fight for equality. It honors her contributions to women’s rights. As you cross the Dorelies Kraakmanbrug, remember her. Think of her dedication to justice. Consider the impact she had on Amsterdam and the world.