Today, 6 March 2026, Atria Fellow and historian Margit van der Steen delivered a lecture at an inspiration meeting of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG). The lecture focused on her recently published book, Ware Wonderdieren (True Miracle Animals) in which she highlights the history and significance of the first women in Dutch politics. The first copy was handed over to VNG chairman and mayor of Utrecht, Sharon Dijksma.
Today, 6 March 2026, Atria Fellow and historian Margit van der Steen delivered a lecture at an inspiration meeting of the Association of Netherlands Municipalities (VNG). The lecture focused on her recently published book, Ware Wonderdieren (True Miracle Animals) in which she highlights the history and significance of the first women in Dutch politics. The first copy was handed over to VNG chairman and mayor of Utrecht, Sharon Dijksma.
During the lecture, Van der Steen discussed the pioneers who paved the way for women in public administration and national politics. Using historical examples, her research shows the obstacles these women faced and how their efforts contributed to the position of women in Dutch democracy today.
"The first women in Dutch politics were fearless. They rowed against the tide and stood on the barricades to be heard. That courage is still needed today. Let us be inspired by these political foremothers."
While Van der Steen's lecture highlighted the pioneers of hundred years ago, she also showed that the challenges for women in politics have not disappeared. Just as the first female politicians had to overcome resistance and prejudice, women in politics still face sexism, hatred and unequal treatment today.
Online hatred of politicians
Atria investigated online hatred against politicians in 2024 and found that female politicians are disproportionately targeted for aggression, especially online.
More about the author
Historian Margit van der Steen has been supported in her research on the first women in Dutch politics by a fellowship at Atria. Van der Steen is a visiting researcher at the KNAW Huygens Institute, among others, and previously wrote the acclaimed biography on sociologist Hilda Verwey-Jonker.
