Ode to Jeltje de Bosch Kemper | Labour is ennobling

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Once it was the norm for women not to go to school, not to have the right to vote and to be incapacitated. Where were women now without people like you?

In the heart of Amsterdam, in the 19th century, where everything stood still, you were there with your determination and a heart full of courage,
You fought for women's rights like no one else did. 

Equality between men and women, that was your dream,
You fought for women healthy or not, was an inspiration.
You did not give up, your will was firm and strong, 
You created space for women, gave them a voice and work.

You fought for education, for the cause of reason,
For you knew: knowledge is the key and a strength for any country.
Because of your efforts, we can now study,
Women found their way to freedom, we will honour you forever.

Born and raised in Amsterdam, where the Society for Healthcare Nursing grew out of your ideals. Today's nurses may not give it much thought, but without your actions, nursing today would not be as professional.

In hospitals, you saw inequality, 
Jeltje, especially you, dedicated yourself to making this go away. 
In hospitals where only men ruled,
you were one of the first to change that. 

You broke the taboo, which no one expected.
Because of you a step forward, you brought new ways.
Where were women now without people like you?
At least a lot less free.