The Hague Women’s Days 2026

A Shared Challenge

What role do we each play in creating an inclusive society? During The Hague Women’s Days 2026, organised by The Hague University of Applied Sciences in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague, students, staff and other interested participants come together to explore this question.

The programme centres on the theme A Shared Challenge, highlighting that real change requires everyone’s involvement. Equal opportunities and gender equality are not issues that concern only a select group; they are societal challenges that affect us all.

This afternoon places collective responsibility at the heart of the conversation. Together – women, men and non-binary people; students, staff, organisations and communities – we explore how we can contribute to a society in which everyone is seen, heard and represented.

The theme A Shared Challenge makes clear that inequality does not affect women alone, but also shapes our democracy, institutions and public space. Inclusion is therefore not an individual concern, but a shared responsibility.

Programme

Arrival | 14.00 – 14.15
Welcome with coffee and tea.

Opening International Women’s Day | 14.15 – 14.30 (Language: English)
Chair: Marleen van Beek (Lecturer Finance & Control, Student Ombudsperson and member of the THUAS Women’s Network).

Panel Discussion: A Shared Challenge | 14.30 – 15.30 (Language: English)
Moderators: Ibtissam Abaâziz (Senior Researcher, Centre of Expertise Governance of Urban Transitions) and Mi Jung Van der Velde (Lecturer in Public Administration and Researcher, Centre of Expertise Global and Inclusive Learning).

This session combines a panel discussion with an open dialogue. Together, we explore how inequality manifests itself at individual, organisational and societal levels. The panel reflects on where inequality is visible within our educational and working environments, what needs to change in practice, and what A Shared Challenge truly means.

Participants are then invited to actively contribute to the discussion. The insights gathered will serve as input for concrete follow-up actions.

Annual International Women’s Day Photo Moment | 15.45
A joint photo moment with female staff members, students and external participants.

Ria Sikkes Lecture | 15.45 – 17.15 (Language: Dutch)
15.45 – 16.00 Arrival with coffee and tea
16.00 – 16.15 Opening of The Hague Women’s Days 2026 by Alderman Mariëlle Vavier
16.15 – 17.15 Lecture by Lisa Loeb

This year, the Ria Sikkes Lecture will be delivered by Lisa Loeb, writer, columnist and programme maker, known for her sharp analyses of social issues, emancipation and the position of women in the Netherlands.

In her lecture Women in 2026, she presents a clear and nuanced picture of the current position of women: the progress that has been made, the counterforces at play, and the urgent question of how we can collectively take responsibility for equality.

The Ria Sikkes Lecture is an annual tribute to Ria Sikkes, politician and lifelong advocate for women’s emancipation, who dedicated her life to equal opportunities, equal pay and equal access to education and employment.

Closing Reception | 17.15 – 18.00
An informal moment to continue the conversation, share experiences and connect with others.

Registration

Free admission for students, staff and other interested participants. Registration is required:

Sign up

Ongoing activities 

March 2 & 3

Art installation (S)exposed
Throughout the week, the art installation (S)exposed will be on display at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. This powerful installation makes street harassment tangible and invites reflection and dialogue about safety in public spaces.

Exhibition Women of The Hague (tentative)
During the week of International Women’s Day, the exhibition Women of The Hague can be viewed at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The exhibition highlights stories and portraits of women from The Hague and underlines the importance of visibility and representation in our city.