Johanna den Hertog (She/Her)
by Amelia Smeby (She/Her)
Before rising to prominence as a national political leader, Johanna den Hertog was a passionate teenager fueled by a visionary dream. Transform Canada into a nation prioritizing justice and compassion, particularly for women and girls. Hertog was born in 1952 in Rijswijk, Netherlands, during a postwar era characterized by economic instability and social upheaval. Her family immigrated to Canada when she was still a young girl, establishing their roots in Vancouver, British Columbia. There, amid stunning landscapes and a diverse community, she began to cultivate the ideals that would later drive her political career and dedication to social equity.
In the early 1970s, the topic of sexual violence was shrouded in silence; few dared to address it publicly. Survivors of such trauma weren’t believed and were blamed for their assaults, with very few resources available for support. In 1973, at just 21, Hertog collaborated with a group of young feminists to create Canada’s inaugural rape crisis center in Vancouver. This center was not merely a hotline; it provided a vital 24-hour support line where survivors could seek help at any hour. More than a lifeline, it served as a sanctuary for individuals to share their experiences and find understanding without judgment. This initiative combined community care, advocacy, and courageous resistance against the pervasive culture of silence surrounding sexual violence. Through their efforts, Hertog and her colleagues forged a path for immediate support and future advancements in women’s rights and survivor advocacy.
Hertog’s activism didn’t stop there. She pursued political science and anthropology at McGill University before turning her focus to labor rights and public advocacy. In the 1980s, she became increasingly active in the New Democratic Party (NDP), a progressive political party committed to equity and workers’ rights. Her dedication to justice earned her the position of Federal President of the NDP from 1987 to 1989, making her the first woman to lead a federal political party in Canada.
During her presidency, she played a crucial role in national debates, notably opposing the 1988 Canada–United States Free Trade Agreement. As a representative of the NDP, she participated in televised debates to argue against the agreement, advocating instead for policies that would protect Canadian workers and preserve national autonomy.
Later in her career, Hertog served as Executive Director of the Vancouver Cabinet Office from 1992 to 2001, continuing her public service and civic engagement work.
From her tireless grassroots organizing in the streets of Vancouver to her influential role in shaping policy at the federal level, Johanna den Hertog has dedicated her life to constructing safer and more equitable systems for women, workers, and all Canadians. Her remarkable legacy serves as a powerful testament to the idea that true leadership isn’t about waiting for permission; it’s a bold act of courage, fueled by visionary ideas and an unwavering determination to speak out against injustice.
