Rita Mulier, a beloved women’s rights pioneer

Born in the West-Flemish city of Kortrijk on 20 June 1934, Margareta “Rita” Mulier lived a long and influential life, paving the way for many women’s rights in Belgium. A look back on the life of a truly remarkable Belgian feminist.

In fact, in 2002, she was recognised for her contributions to Belgian society and made baroness, choosing bread and roses as imagery for her crest, symbolising her fight for equal rights on paper and the beauty and recognition of a dignified life for women.

For starters, she co-founded and was the first president of the Vrouwen Overleg Komitee (Women Discussion Committee) in 1972. In that same year, on 11 November, she invited Simone de Beauvoir to Brussels, which led to a massive turnout on the first National Women’s Day organised by the VOK. It was celebrated every year on the same day, and has been rebaptised Day of Feminism in 2023 by Furia, the successor of VOK. The day was renamed to reflect gender inclusivity.

She was not only a fighter, but also a very smart lady, as is evident from the doctorate in law she obtained from the Catholic University of Leuven in 1957, after which she passed a traineeship at the Leuven bar.

But her most noteworthy role, perhaps, was yet to come. In 1991, Rita Mulier became the first ever civil servant in charge of emancipation in the Flemish administration.

This all is not to mention the most rewarding job of all: Ms. Mulier was mother to no less than six children.

Rita passed away on 20 April 23, 2026, leaving behind her a legacy of unmistakeable value for women. She will be long remembered and sorely missed.