Annemarie believes that a person’s opportunities in life shouldn’t be determined by their background, circumstances, or gender. Her curiosity about the root causes of gender inequality led her to pursue a PhD in international human rights law, specialising in Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C).

Her research and fieldwork have taken her across Africa, the Middle East and Asia, deepening her understanding of the realities faced by women and girls and shaping her approach to ending gender-based violence.

Over the years, she has witnessed both progress and setbacks in the fight for gender equality. More girls are attending school and legal protections against gender-based violence have expanded. Yet, hard-won rights are increasingly under pressure, and too many women and girls continue to be denied their fundamental rights.

As the founder of Right to Rise, Annemarie has spent more than a decade working with the United Nations, the European Union, governments, universities, international NGOs and grassroots organisations. Her work is driven by a clear purpose: to contribute to a world where women and girls can live free from violence, exercise their rights and reach their full potential.