Ms. Jolanda Holwerda

Over the past few years, she attended many conferences on Gender Equality. Every time, she wondered whether it was a universal issue or a Dutch/European issue. She concluded that it is a universal issue, which was confirmed by an article in the Economist in 2011. It says that women are now taking over half of the workplace, but still there is a gap in wages and the decisions they take at the Board level. The Economist also says that worldwide, women are also struggling with work-life balance.There are many books on this subject, She has also written a book called 'From your heart to success in work, life and family'. Through the Lof magazine as well, she wanted to change the perception of media from putting women in a traditional place, to show that women can have a career and be a good mother at the same time. She also wanted to influence companies who employ women. She started a list of the best employer for working women, those who offer flexi working, work from home etc. She also started a community online, where people discuss work and family. We initiated the Lof role model award – this is highly successful. At present we have an election on women who have Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), so we meet a lot of Dutch women who have the potential to reach out to the world through their CSR work.

Sound Bites

• Do you feel it's selfish to have a career and a family? Do you sometimes feel guilty because you want to have it all? You want a career and children. Many women have this feeling deep inside – am I allowed to go after my ambition and not feel guilty about my children. I'd like to share something that I learnt from my Sri Sri Yoga teacher – stretch out both your hands to the sides, embrace yourself by bringing your arms on opposite shoulders – give yourself a big, big hug because you are special, because we care for our family, we care for our work, we care for society, we want to change things.
• Empowerment of women really starts by hugging ourselves and telling ourselves how powerful and special we are.

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