Born: October 24, 1936 (Oud Over near Loenen aan de Vecht, Utrecht Province, Netherlands)
Died: February 23, 1990
Biography:
Annelien Kappeyne van de Coppello (24 October 1936 – 23 February 1990) was a Dutch politician who made significant contributions to women’s rights and social issues. She was actively involved in politics from 1966 to 1990, serving at various levels of government and advocating for progressive policies.
Born on October 24, 1936, in the hamlet of Oud Over near Loenen aan de Vecht, in the Utrecht Province of the Netherlands, Annelien Kappeyne van de Coppello was the daughter of Theodora Elisabeth Catharina Maria van Panhuijs and Nicolaas Johannes Cornelis Marie Kappeyne van de Coppello. Her father was a banker who later became an attorney and practiced in Amsterdam. Her paternal grandfather, Jacobus Kappeyne van de Coppello, was a member of the Dutch Senate, and her grandmother, Martha Maria Benten, was an active participant in the early women’s movement in the Netherlands.
After completing her primary education, Kappeyne entered the Utrechts Stedelijk Gymnasium in 1948, graduating in 1955. She then spent a year working in Lausanne, Switzerland before returning to the Netherlands to pursue higher education. In 1956, she enrolled at Leiden University to study law. During her time at university, Kappeyne was actively involved in the Association for Female Students of Leiden and the Student Parliament. She became a member of the People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) in 1962 and graduated in 1966 with a specialization in parliamentary history.
Kappeyne’s political career began in September 1966 when she secured a position on the Leiden City Council, where she served until 1974. Alongside her council duties, she worked as a paid staff member for the VVD, focusing on internal affairs related to constitutional review and electoral rights. In 1969, she became the assistant secretary of the VVD constituency in the Dutch House of Representatives. Two years later, in 1971, she was elected as a member of the House, marking the beginning of her tenure in national politics.
Throughout her career, Kappeyne advocated for numerous progressive causes. She championed the abolition of the death penalty, fought for equal pay, and supported a person’s right to control their own body, including the decriminalization of abortion and the legalization of euthanasia. She also advocated for proportional representation and believed that foreign residents should have a say in local government. Kappeyne played a crucial role in safeguarding the legal rights of immigrants, dual nationals, and LGBT constituents and was known for her firm stance on social justice issues.
In 1985, Kappeyne made history by becoming the first person to discuss lesbianism at an official United Nations conference. She called for measures to denounce discrimination against lesbians and protect their rights, highlighting the importance of LGBTQ+ rights on the international stage.
In recognition of her contributions to Dutch politics and advancing women’s rights, Annelien Kappeyne van de Coppello was awarded the Knighthood of the Order of the Dutch Lion in 1986. Her dedication and tireless work continue to inspire women and activists worldwide.
Awards:
– Knighthood of the Order of the Dutch Lion (1986)