The Hague Women's days 2026 - THUAS

• Date: 02 March
• Time: 14:00 - 18:00
• Location: Haagse Hogeschool

A Shared Responsibility

What role do we ourselves 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 members and other interested participants will come together to reflect on this question.

The programme revolves around the theme A Shared Responsibility, emphasising that real change requires everyone’s involvement. Equal opportunities and gender equality are not issues that concern only a small group; they are societal challenges that affect us all.

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

The theme A Shared Responsibility highlights that inequality does not only affect women, but also impacts our democracy, institutions and public space. Inclusion is therefore not an individual issue, but a collective task.

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 H/Women’s Network).

Panel Discussion: A Shared Responsibility | 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 Public Administration and researcher, Centre of Expertise Global and Inclusive Learning).

This programme component combines a panel discussion with an open dialogue. We will explore how inequality operates at individual, organisational and societal levels. The panel will reflect on where inequality becomes visible within our educational and work environments, what truly needs to change, and what A Shared Responsibility means in practice.

Afterwards, the audience will be invited to actively contribute. The insights gathered will serve as input for concrete follow-up steps.

Annual International Women’s Day Photo Moment | 15:45

A collective 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 The Woman in 2026, she presents a nuanced and incisive picture of the current position of women. She reflects on progress 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 advocate for women’s emancipation, who dedicated her life to equal opportunities, equal pay, and equal access to education and work.

Closing Reception | 17:15 – 18:00

An informal moment to continue conversations, share experiences and connect.

Registration

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

Ongoing Activities

2 & 3 March

Art Installation (S)exposed

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

Exhibition Haagse Vrouwen (subject to change)

During the week of International Women’s Day, the exhibition Haagse Vrouwen will be on view at The Hague University of Applied Sciences. The exhibition presents stories and portraits of women from The Hague, highlighting the importance of visibility and representation in our city.

Show on map