Before entering politics, Klompé gained a PhD in chemistry and taught the subject. When the Second World War broke out she became an active member of the resistance. For Klompé it was a given that women and men were equally suited for positions in the public domain. When the war ended she embarked on a political career and mobilised other women to do the same. As a member of parliament for the Catholic People’s Party, Klompé focused on foreign affairs, social work and higher education. In 1956 she became the Minister of Social Work, and later took on a variety of ministerial jobs. Klompé oversaw the expansion of the welfare state, with the highlight being the introduction of the General Welfare Act (ABW) in 1965. In 1971, Klompé was awarded the honorary title of Minister of State for her services.
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