30-10-2025
The Hague, 6 November 2025
Last week, 29th of October, amajority of Dutch people voted for parties that stand for women's rights and gender equality. Worldwide, the number of autocratic and ultra-conservative regimes is growing.Women and LGBTIQ+ people bare the brunt of the roll-out of their agendas. Dutch voters sent a powerful message: together, we can turn the tide.
Equal rights worldwide in decline
Equal rights and opportunities should be the norm. Instead, we are seeing a decline worldwide. One woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by their intimate partner or family member.It will take at least another 40 years before women are equally represented in politics. In Europe, an increasing amount of young people believe that women should be the primary caregivers at home and should obey their male partner. Brave women and girls who stand up for their rights face intimidation, violence and oppressive laws. Autocratic governments, repressive regimes and ultra-conservative groups spread hatred and deliberately false information about women's rights and gender equality.In recent years, we have seen that even the Netherlands is not immune to these sentiments.
Women and girls are the backbone of societies
Women and girls are the backbone of resilient and stable societies. From Kyiv to Khartoum to Kampen, they are building a healthy democracy, sustainable peace and security. They stand up for a clean environment. They fight for the right to self-determination. They act against exploitation, violent oppression, radicalisation and extremism. They organise, connect, protect and speak out. Sometimes at the risk of their own lives.
Appeal to new Members of Parliament
We congratulate all elected candidates on their place in Parliament. An important task awaits them: to use their democratic power and mandate to stand up for a world in which all women, girls and LGBTQI+ people can continue to participateand be part of decision-making, in a free safe and equal manner.
Together with all those Dutch citizens who want to push for women's rights and gender equality, we call on the new House of Representatives to:
- Protect women human rights defenders: Guarantee the safety and freedom of all women and girls who stand up for human rights, both in the Netherlands and worldwide. They are at the forefront of the fight. They deserve recognition, protection and sufficient resources to continue their work safely – regardless of their gender, sexuality, ethnicity, age, religion, class, etc.
- Give all women an equal voice: When women are part of the decision-making process, policies become more fair, more sustainable and more peaceful. Ensure equal representation of all women in politics and business, in negotiations on trade, peace, climate and safe working conditions.
- Invest in gender equality: Countries where women's rights and gender equality are well regulated are more stable, prosperous and secure. Provide direct, long-term financial support to women's rights organisations and initiatives that promote equal rights and opportunities.
- Combat disinformation: Do not allow women's rights to be rolled back. Support laws and regulations that enable all women and girls to live freely and safely. Dismantle and stop false and misleading information about women's rights and gender equality.
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For more information and interview requests, please contact:
📞Anika Snel, Political Coordinator
📧 a.snel@wo-men.nl
