Imagine being a Dutch woman in the early 1950s and wanting to buy new clothes. You would need your husband's permission and his money. A woman couldn’t take out an insurance policy, withdraw money from the bank, or even undergo surgery without her husband’s approval, as she was considered "handelingsonbekwaam” (legally incompetent). Just a few decades ago, the reality for women in the Netherlands was very different from what it is today. For instance, did you know, that marital rape wasn’t a criminal offense here until the 1990s? It seems absurd now, but the freedoms and rights we take for granted today were only won relatively recently.
Who fought for our rights back then—for safe access to abortion, childcare, and workforce participation? Who is fighting now for political representation, knowledge about women’s health, and against femicide? What drives them to take to the streets or work behind the scenes for change?
In the exhibition Remember the Women, photographer Laura Cnossen and journalist Marjolein Koster take you on a journey through the history and evolution of Dutch feminism. The exhibition showcases portraits of fifteen key figures in the progress of women’s emancipation in the Netherlands. Through Cnossen’s powerful images and Koster’s accompanying podcasts, visitors gain an intimate glimpse into the personal stories of those who have contributed—and are still working—to create a more equal society.
“This exhibition is a tribute to the courageous women who fought for the rights we now consider self-evident. It’s time for the Netherlands to know their stories. Look them in the eyes, listen to their stories: Remember the Women.”
– Laura Cnossen
About the makers
Laura Cnossen (1993) is a photographer who focuses on social and societal issues. A humane approach and social commitment characterize her way of working. Her projects often highlight the power of portrait photography combined with her socially conscious outlook. Examples include her project Manjača, featuring landscape photographs showing traces of the war in Bosnia, and her photo book and exhibition Love, Klink, which was nominated for the Unseen Dummy Award.
Marjolein Koster (1990) is a freelance journalist and multimedia storyteller focusing on social and political issues. She works for newspapers and magazines and produces podcasts and documentaries. Her recent work, such as the podcast De Val van Srebrenica, was nominated for a Tegel, the highest award in Dutch journalism. Marjolein is committed to bringing hidden stories to light, as in her podcast about women's emancipation in strict Christian communities.
Opening Hours
The exhibition is free to visit on the ground floor in the Atlas building at the TU/e campus. No reservation is needed. The exhibition will be open from Tuesday, November 12 to Wednesday, November 27, 2024:
• Monday to Friday: 8:00 - 18:00
• Saturday and Sunday: closed