Diplomas of Belgium's first female doctor on display in Leuven
The diplomas of Isala van Diest, Belgium's first female doctor, are currently on display at the city archive of Leuven. Historians discovered the diplomas, which date from the late 19th century, by chance in the city archives.
Isala van Diest was born in Leuven in 1842, the daughter of a doctor. Like her father, she wanted to become a doctor, but as a woman she was barred from higher secondary education. She therefore completed her secondary education in Bern in Switzerland. Because the rector of the KU Leuven university subsequently refused to enrol her in the medical faculty, she went abroad again. In 1879, she obtained her doctor of medicine degree at the University of Bern.
“She was a real pioneer in terms of women's rights, also fought for the rights of vulnerable women”
Even with that diploma in her pocket, Van Diest was not allowed to work as a doctor in Belgium. It was not until November 1884 that a royal decree was issued granting her the right to practise her profession in Belgium. Before that, she had also moved to London to work there.
“She fought her way to her career as a doctor,” stated Leuven’s alderman for culture Bert Cornillie. “She was a real pioneer in terms of women's rights, also fought for the rights of vulnerable women.”
Until 14 March, visitors can admire the original documents at Leuven’s city archive. The archive is exhibiting them in the run-up to International Women's Day on 8 March.
#FlandersNewsService | The diplomas of Isala van Diest on display © PHOTO Stad Leuven
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