Remembering a remarkable woman? This is the Liesbeth den Uylbrug. It stands as a tribute to Elisabeth Jacoba den Uyl-van Vessem. She was widely known as Liesbeth den Uyl.
Liesbeth den Uyl was born in Amsterdam on June 18, 1924. She passed away there on September 30, 1990. She was an activist, writer, and politician. Liesbeth was deeply involved with the PvdA. This is the Dutch social-democratic party. She was the wife of politician Joop den Uyl. He served as prime minister from 1973 to 1977.
As a child, Liesbeth grew up in Amsterdam. She studied psychology. World War II interrupted her studies. She then worked at Querido. This is a Dutch publishing company. During this time, she met Joop den Uyl. They married in 1944. Together they had four daughters and three sons.
After the war, Liesbeth returned to her studies. However, she stopped after her second child was born. Liesbeth den Uyl was involved in many organizations. She was a member of the VARA advisory council. She also served on the PvdA local council. Additionally, she was a board member of the Rooie Vrouwen. This was a group within the PvdA. She was president of Steun Aan Argentijnse Moeders. This was an organization supporting the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. She was also a director for the Buitenveldert local council.
Following her husband’s death, she wrote “Ik ben niet goed maar wel gek”. Later, she wrote “Beppie van Vessem”. This was an autobiography. Liesbeth died at the age of 66.
Two of her children had notable political careers. Saskia Noorman-den Uyl was a member of parliament. Xander den Uyl was a secretary for a trade union. Barbara den Uyl became a documentary filmmaker.
The “Liesbeth den Uyl-van Vessem Stichting” is named in her honor. It supports women’s rights in dictatorial countries. It particularly supports the Argentinian Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo. The city of Deventer also has a street named after her.
Liesbeth den Uyl was a unique woman. She was posthumously honored by Argentina in 2023. This was for her protests against the former regime. She left a lasting impact on Amsterdam and beyond. This Liesbeth den Uylbrug stands as a reminder of her life and work.