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Bertha De Vriese was a trailblazing Belgian physician who made significant contributions to the field of pediatrics. As the first woman to graduate from Ghent University as a physician, she paved the way for women’s education and medical practice in Belgium. Her dedication to providing quality healthcare to children and her advocacy for women’s rights make her a true pioneer and an inspiration for future generations.
Isala Van Diest, born on May 7, 1842, in Louvain, Belgium, became the first female medical doctor and university graduate in Belgium. Despite facing opposition from the Roman Catholic religious hierarchy, Van Diest pursued her dreams and graduated in 1879. She practiced medicine in England for two years, fought for the better treatment of prostitutes, co-founded the Belgian Women’s Rights League, and left behind a legacy of determination and progress.
Baroness Ingrid Daubechies is a Belgian physicist and mathematician known for her work with wavelets in image compression. She has made significant contributions to the field of mathematics, image processing, and art restoration. Her groundbreaking research and expertise in geometric analysis and image processing have shaped the way we compress digital images and authenticate works of art. Daubechies has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her exceptional contributions to the field, including a MacArthur Fellowship and the Gauss Prize of the International Mathematical Union.
Nafissatou Thiam, also known as Nafi Thiam, is a Belgian athlete who has made a significant impact in multi-event competition. Born on August 19, 1994, Thiam has become a celebrated figure in the world of athletics, earning numerous accolades and breaking multiple records throughout her career.
Ingrid Berghmans, born in 1961, is a Belgian judoka who is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished female judokas in history. Her dominance in the sport during the 1980s earned her six world titles, seven European titles, and the title of “Sportswoman of the Year” on eight occasions. Berghmans is revered as the greatest Belgian sportswoman of all time and was even dubbed “Sportswoman of the Century”.
Gella Vandecaveye, born on September 2, 1973, in Kortrijk, Belgium, is a legendary judoka who has made an indelible mark on the world of women’s sports. From an early age, Vandecaveye displayed a remarkable talent and passion for judo, eventually becoming one of the most successful and celebrated athletes in the sport. Her exceptional talent, resilience, and contributions to the world of sports have earned her numerous accolades and honors throughout her career. Today, Gella Vandecaveye’s legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes.
Lydia Chagoll (1931-2020) was a Dutch-born dancer, choreographer, film director, screenwriter, writer, and actress. Her experiences during World War II, including being held in Japanese Internment Camps in Indonesia, shaped her worldview and fueled her commitment to shedding light on injustice. Chagoll’s impactful work in film, such as “In the Name of the Führer” and “Voor de glimlach van een kind,” brought attention to important social issues and led to the founding of organizations dedicated to protecting vulnerable children. Her contributions to the arts and social activism have left a lasting impact on Dutch and Belgian society.
Helga Stevens, born deaf, is a Belgian politician and Member of the European Parliament. Her determination and drive to overcome obstacles led her to become the first deaf lawyer in Belgium. Stevens’ advocacy for disability rights and leadership skills have made her a respected figure in European politics.
Conny Clara Aerts, born in 1966 in Brasschaat, Belgium, is a Belgian professor in astrophysics. She is known for her expertise in asteroseismology, a field that studies the interior structure and dynamics of stars. Aerts has made significant contributions to understanding stellar evolution and has been recognized with prestigious awards for her groundbreaking research. She is also an advocate for gender equality in the sciences and actively promotes women’s participation in astronomy.
Kim Clijsters, a Belgian former professional tennis player, achieved the world No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles in 2003. She won six major titles and was known for her athleticism and controlled aggression on the court. Clijsters retired twice, but made successful comebacks, becoming the first mother to be the world No. 1. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017.
Marie Popelin was a Belgian jurist and early feminist political campaigner. She was the first Belgian woman to earn a doctorate in law and fought against gender discrimination in the legal profession. Her efforts inspired other women to pursue careers in law and she played a pivotal role in establishing the Belgian League for the Rights of Women. Despite never gaining admission to the bar, Popelin’s legacy continues to inspire and empower women in their fight for gender equality.
Justine Henin, a Belgian former world No. 1 tennis player, was known for her all-court style of play and exceptional mental toughness. She won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including four French Open titles, and a gold medal at the 2004 Olympic Games. Despite injuries forcing her retirement in 2011, Henin’s impact on the sport cannot be overstated. She was named one of the “30 Legends of Women’s Tennis” by Time magazine and was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2016.
Suzanne Spaak, a French Resistance operative during World War II, dedicated her life to fighting against Nazi oppression and saving the lives of Jewish children. Her bravery and selfless dedication earned her recognition as a Righteous Among the Nations. Suzanne’s story is a testament to the power of compassion and a symbol of resistance in women’s history.
Gabrielle Petit, born in 1893 in Tournai, Belgium, played a crucial role in the British Secret Service during World War I. After volunteering with the Belgian Red Cross, she became a skilled spy, gathering valuable information about the Imperial German Army. Despite facing capture and imprisonment, Petit remained loyal to her fellow agents and was executed by firing squad in 1916. Her courageous acts and unwavering dedication to her country continue to inspire generations.