She was the wife of politician Joop den Uyl (prime minister 1973 to 1977), and was socially and politically active.

When World War II broke out she had to interrupt her studies, and got a job with Querido, a Dutch publishing company.

After the death of her husband she wrote Ik ben niet goed maar wel gek, and later Beppie van Vessem, an autobiography.

Barbara den Uyl (1949) became a filmmaker who directs documentaries on political and social matters.

The "Liesbeth den Uyl-van Vessem Stichting" is named after her, a foundation that advocates for the rights of women in countries under dictatorial governments, in particular the Argentinian Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo.