Yesterday, MN hosted the very first Allyship Awards ceremony: an afternoon centred on inclusion, connection and a clear message: inclusion calls for action, not waiting.
Aartie Hoeblal opened the gathering with a striking appeal: "We are obliged to send the elevator back down." It is up to each of us to support others in their careers, as a mentor, sponsor or ambassador.
Hosts Nelsy Salden-Rebbens and Henk Jansen connected the programme, the speakers and the audience with one another.
Navigating complex times together
Keynote speaker Emma Agricola took the audience through a powerful story about generations navigating complex times together. Her message was clear: progress is not a given, and "moving backwards is also a movement."
Work to be done
During the expert discussion, Marijn Wiersma and Maritza Cabezas Ludena explored gender-aware capital. Globally, the Netherlands ranks 43rd when it comes to gender equality, so there is clearly work to be done.
The winners
Indra Frishert and Willem Vosmer then presented the first Allyship Awards. The Inclusive Leadership Award went to Kaya de Lange (CEO, BeFrank) and Martijn Scholten (Co-CEO, MN). The Inclusive Workfloor Award was awarded to Bencis. Congratulations to all the winners.
The nominees, too, showed how it can be done. The shortlist featured Jellie Banga, Judith Jeuring, Ronald Kleverlaan, Bas Rapati, De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and Triple Jump.
The urgency is growing
WIFS thanks everyone who attended, and MN in particular for facilitating this afternoon. As Nelsy Salden-Rebbens aptly put it: the potential remains, the urgency is growing. We can do this together.
