The movement of Begijnen is a first sign of women’s independence. Beginen were not nuns, they did not take lifelong vows of faith. They were, however, unmarried, had to take a vow of chastity, and were obedient to the priest of the Begijnhof, who was their superior and father. They did not take a vow of poverty, and they kept in possession of their own property. These women were looking for a form of community life in which they also had social functions, mainly in care and education. They were of inestimable value to the city in the care of the sick. For example, the first kindergartens can be found here. Wealthy Catholic families thought it was in good taste if a daughter became a Begijn and bought a ‘steetje’ at the Begijnhof. Women could join the Begijnhof as younger girls, but also at a later age, when, for example, they had become a widow. They were also free to leave, for example to get married. The origin of the term Begijn is still not clear.