Bente Hansen facts for kids

Bente Hansen (born March 4, 1940 – died April 2022) was a Danish writer and editor. She was also a strong supporter of women's rights. Bente was a key figure in the Danish Red Stocking Movement starting in 1970. She wrote many books about socialism and the role of women in society. In the mid-1970s, she was a main editor for the newspaper Information. There, she paid special attention to important social movements.

Bente Hansen: A Champion for Women's Rights

Early Life and Education

Bente Hansen was born on March 4, 1940, in Kolding, Denmark. Her father, Hans Kristian Hansen, was a veterinarian. Her mother, Grethe Vera Nornild, was a teacher. After finishing high school in Tarm, Bente spent a year in Brussels. She then returned to Denmark to study literature. She attended the University of Copenhagen.

From 1961 to 1966, Bente lived at Kvinderegensen. This was a women's college with strong traditions. It greatly influenced her views on women's roles. She earned her master's degree in 1966.

Becoming an Activist

Bente became interested in politics early on. In 1959, she met students from the Soviet Union. This meeting helped shape her political ideas. She became an active left-wing socialist. She joined the Socialist People's Party.

Bente was a talented speaker. She also used her writing to support causes she believed in. From 1966, she edited a journal called Politisk Revy. In 1970, she started writing a regular column. This column was dedicated to the Red Stocking Movement.

Leading the Red Stocking Movement

For the next 15 years, Bente became a key leader. She helped guide the women's movement in Denmark. In 1971, she took part in a gathering on the island of Femø. She worked with Vibeke Vasbo and Mette Knudsen. Together, they wrote important ideas for the Red Stockings. These ideas became the group's main beliefs. In 1975, Bente was the main speaker. This was at the first women's meeting in Copenhagen's Fælledparken.

Her Work as an Editor

In 1976, Bente became an editor at Information newspaper. She was one of only three women editors. There were 33 men editors. This made her job very challenging. She decided to resign in 1977. However, she continued to write comments for the newspaper BT.

Later, she helped create a big television series. This series was about women in the labor movement. It was shown in 1986.

Later Years and Legacy

By 1990, Bente had to reduce her activities. This was due to health issues. Bente Hansen passed away in April 2022. She had been ill for some time. Her work left a lasting impact on women's rights in Denmark.