Geuzenveld-Slotermeer in Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands — Northwestern Europe
Haya von Someren-Downer
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2024
1. Haya von Someren-Downer Marker
Spraakmakende VVD-politica en de eerste vrouwelijke partijvoorzitter van Nederland, die voor haar politieke loopbaan parlementair verslaggever bij De Telegraaf was. Als jongste Kamerlid kreeg Van Someren-Downer in 1959 de portefeuilles onderwijs en omroepzaken. Ze was fel tegen de Mammoetwet, de grote onderwijshervorming, die er toch kwam. In de jaren zestig noemde ze het verzuilde omroepbestel achterhaald en stelde ze een commercieel tweede televisienet voor. Als partijvoorzitter wist ze vanaf 1969 in zes jaar tijd het VVD-ledental bijna te verdriedubbelen. Van Someren-Downer had organisatievermogen, redenaarstalent en gevoel voor publiciteit. De VVD heeft als eerbetoon haar eigen vormingsen scholingsinstituut naar deze politica vernoemd.
Controversial VVD politician and the first female party chairwoman in the Netherlands, who was a parliamentary reporter for De Telegraaf before her political career. As the youngest member of parliament, Van Someren-Downer was given the portfolios of education and broadcasting in 1959. She was fiercely opposed to the Mammoetwet, the major education reform, which was introduced anyway. In the sixties, she called the pillarised broadcasting system outdated and proposed a commercial second television network. As party chairwoman, she managed to almost triple the number of VVD members in six years from 1969 onwards. Van Someren-Downer had organisational skills, a talent for speaking and a sense of publicity. As a tribute, the VVD named its own training and education institute after this politician.
Erected 2024
this page online
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Women. In addition, it is included in the Give Streets a Face / Geef Straten Een Gezicht series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 5, 1926.
Location. 52° 22.978′ N, 4° 47.475′ E. Marker is in Amsterdam, Noord-Holland (North Holland). It is in Geuzenveld-Slotermeer. It is at the intersection of Haya van Someren-Downerstraat and L.J.M. Beelstraat, on the right when traveling east on Haya van Someren-Downerstraat. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Haya van Someren-Downerstraat 5, Amsterdam, Noord-Holland 1067 WR, Netherlands. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, the Benelux Low Countries, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: L.J.M. Beel (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line);
Photographed by Andrew Ruppenstein, October 25, 2024
2. Haya von Someren-Downer Marker - wide view
Also see . . . Haya von Someren (Wikipedia). Overview:
Haya Victoria van Someren-Downer (born Gerarda Victoria Downer; 5 July 1926 12 November 1980) was a Dutch politician of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) and journalist.(Submitted on November 11, 2024.)
She was a member of the House of Representatives from 20 March 1959 until 1 October 1968. She was the chair of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy from 29 March 1969 until 15 March 1975. She became a member of the Senate on 17 September 1974 and on 5 June 1976 she succeeded Harm van Riel as the parliamentary leader of the VVD in the Senate after he retired. She died on 12 November 1980 from cancer at the age of 54.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 11, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 158 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 11, 2024, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
