Born: November 1, 1866 (Svelvik, Vestfold, Norway)
Died: 1950 (Bergen, Norway)
Biography:
Betzy Aleksandra Kjelsberg (née Børresen) was a prominent Norwegian women’s rights activist, suffragist, and politician. She was born on November 1, 1866, in Svelvik, Vestfold, Norway. Betzy was the daughter of Thor Børresen, a Norwegian, and Jessie McGlashan, a Scottish woman. After her father’s death, the family relocated to Drammen, where Betzy’s mother remarried merchant Anton Enger. They later had to move to Christiania (now Oslo) due to financial difficulties caused by Anton Enger’s shop closure. Despite facing financial hardships, Betzy started her examen artium, becoming one of the first women in Norway to do so, although she did not complete her studies due to her stepfather’s poor economic situation.
In 1883, Betzy co-founded the discussion group Skuld alongside Cecilie Thoresen Krog. This group provided a platform for women to discuss societal issues and advocate for women’s rights. Betzy’s passion for women’s rights led her to create several associations that aimed to empower women. In 1894, she established the Women’s Trade Organization (Kvinnelig Handelsstands forening), followed by the formation of the Drammen Women’s Association (Drammen Kvinnesaksforening) in 1896, which included a housewife school. Later, in 1899, Betzy founded Drammen Public Health, focusing on improving healthcare for women. She also played a significant role in establishing the Drammen Women’s Council in 1903.
Notably, Betzy was a co-founder of both the Norwegian Association for Women’s Rights in 1884 and the National Association for Women’s Suffrage in 1885. These organizations tirelessly campaigned for women’s right to vote, a crucial milestone in women’s rights movement. In 1904, she became a founding member of the Norwegian National Women’s Council (Norske Kvinners Nasjonalråd), an umbrella organization for various women’s associations in Norway. Betzy faithfully served as a member of this organization alongside renowned rights activists such as Karen Grude Koht, Fredrikke Marie Qvam, Gina Krog, and Katti Anker Møller. In 1916, she assumed the position of President and continued to champion women’s rights and equality until her tenure ended.
Betzy’s dedication to women’s issues extended to her political career as well. In 1905, she was elected to the city council of Drammen, where she served for two terms. In 1910, she made history by becoming Norway’s first female factory inspector, a role she held until 1936. Her commitment to workers’ rights and safety was recognized internationally, and from 1921 to 1934, she represented Norway at the meetings of the International Labour Organization in Geneva. In addition, Betzy held the position of vice-president of the International Council of Women from 1926 to 1938.
Throughout her life, Betzy’s unwavering efforts and achievements earned her several honors. In 1916, she was awarded the King’s Medal of Merit in gold (Kongens fortjenstmedalje). In 1935, Betzy was appointed Knight 1st Class in the Order of St. Olav, a prestigious order in Norway. Her contributions to society and women’s rights have left an indelible mark on Norwegian history.
Betzy Kjelsberg passed away in 1950 in Bergen and was laid to rest at Vår Frelsers gravlund in Oslo. Her legacy lives on, and she is remembered as a pioneer in the fight for women’s rights and a trailblazer for women’s participation in politics and public life.
Awards:
– King’s Medal of Merit in gold (Kongens fortjenstmedalje) in 1916.
– Appointed Knight 1st Class in the Order of St. Olav in 1935.