On Saturday, councillor Mariëlle Vavier (Poverty, Inclusion, Care and International Affairs) opened the portrait series ‘The Hague Women’ in the Atrium of the Hague City Hall.
The Haagse Vrouwen project highlights the commitment and strength of women in The Hague who actively contribute to the city and its residents, focusing on themes such as women’s emancipation, equal opportunities and participation.
Through photographs by Laura Cnossen and stories by Marjolein Koster, their impact on society is portrayed.
The opening marks the start of The Hague Women’s Days, which take place from 1 to 8 March. During this week, 61 activities will be organised in the framework of International Women’s Day.
For more information see www.haagsevrouwendagen.nl/programma
Celebrating the diversity and strength of Hague women
Councillor Mariëlle Vavier (Poverty, Inclusion, Care and International Affairs) opened the exhibition with a speech and looks forward to the rest of the week, she says: ‘Women’s rights are under pressure worldwide. This is precisely why it is important that we strengthen each other, support each other and stand up together against inequality. Be it equal pay for equal work, the right to abortion, or countering sexism in society. The women portrayed for this exhibition show that change is possible. Let us follow their example and join forces in the fight for equality.’
61 activities during The Hague Women’s Days
From 1 to 8 March, The Hague Women’s Days will offer a varied programme including various workshops, lectures, film screenings, theatre plays and city walks. The activities are organised by cultural institutions, (women’s) organisations and social initiatives. The municipality of The Hague will organise the Ria Sikkes lecture on 7 March, followed by the Haagse Vrouwendagen Debat in Nest and, on International Women’s Day itself (8 March), the presentation of the Kartini Prize in Het Koorenhuis.
Participation is free of charge, but registration is required. This can be done via the website, where the full programme can also be found.
For more information see www.haagsevrouwendagen.nl/programma
About the portrait series
From 1 to 26 March, a double exhibition, curated by photographer Laura Cnossen, is on display in the Atrium of The Hague City Hall. Accompanying the portraits are the women’s stories, written by Marjolein Koster. The first series of portraits highlights 15 women who played a key role in the emancipation movement in the Netherlands. The second series spotlights twenty inspiring women from The Hague who, through their work and impact, are making a lasting difference in a variety of sectors, from culture and sport to welfare and business. Together, these exhibitions show the strength, versatility and influence of women within (The Hague) society.
For more information about the exhibition or to read back the women’s stories, see the website:
https://www.haagsevrouwendagen.nl/tentoonstelling
Feature photo: poet Ruth van Rossum, photographer Laura Cnossen en alderwoman Mariëlle Vavier © Arenda Oomen