In 1935, three women from different generations decided to join forces and founded the International Archives for the Women’s Movement (IAV) in Amsterdam. Rosa Manus, one of the founders of IAV (now Atria) stated: without documents, no history. The collection started with 300 books owned by Rosa Manus herself. With this new institute, IAV preserved the work of women and made their battle visible. Up to today, Atria is committed to sharing the stories of people who have been invisible.
Atria's archive of organizations and people measures almost 1600 meters. We manage over 117 000 books, 27 000 photos, more than 5000 posters, 51 paintings, 16 pieces of headgear and head scarves, 4 banners by the Dolle Mina's and many more special objects by the women's movement such as a motorcycle suit, a flute and a broom.
With our collections, knowledge and information we reflect on current topics, and we stimulate the debate on the position of women and girls*, in all their diversity. We also conduct scientific research on gender equality, debate social- and political developments and give (policy) advice. This way, Atria contributes to equal treatment and equal opportunities for everyone.
* With the word's women* and girls* we mean people who identify as women, regardless of what they were assigned at birth
