To create positive change in the world,
we need to understand it first.
So nice to
meet you.
I'm
Annemarie.
meet you.
I'm
Annemarie.
Founder of Right to Rise. Expert on Violence Against Women and Girls. Researcher. Feminist. Bridge-builder. Mother. Human.
My purpose is to contribute to a world where women and girls can live free from violence, excercise their rights and reach their full potential.
Let me tell you a bit about myself.
For as long as I can remember, I've been driven by a strong sense of justice and a deep belief in gender equality. Since my days as a law student, I've been fascinated by human behaviour, the root causes of gender inequality and violence, and what it takes to bring about meaningful change.
Eearly on, I developed a particular interest in violence against women and girls, especially Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). These were never just legal or social issues to me. They touched something deeper: my belief in the fundamental right of every woman and girl to autonomy, dignity and self-determination.
That combination of conviction and curiosity led me to become a human rights lawyer and, eventually, an expert on violence against women and girls. Over the past decade, I have worked with the United Nations, the European Union, governments, consultancy firms, universities, international NGOs and grassroots organisations to advance women's and girls' rights and contribue to positive change around the world.
Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of working with passionate, talented people who challenge and inspire me. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening, building trust and connecting with people from all walks of life, whether I'm speaking with a CEO, collaborating with an activist or listening to a young girl in a rural community.
My work is characterised by its depth, consistency and commitment to quality. I engage at all levels, from high-level policy discussions to grassroots initiatives, to understand complex issues from different perspectives, build bridges between stakeholders and translate knowledge into practical, evidence-based solutions.
Let me tell you a bit about myself.
For as long as I can remember, I've been driven by a strong sense of justice and a deep belief in gender equality. Since my days as a law student, I've been fascinated by human behaviour, the root causes of gender inequality and violence, and what it takes to bring about meaningful change.
Eearly on, I developed a particular interest in violence against women and girls, especially Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). These were never just legal or social issues to me. They touched something deeper: my belief in the fundamental right of every woman and girl to autonomy, dignity and self-determination.
That combination of conviction and curiosity led me to become a human rights lawyer and, eventually, an expert on violence against women and girls. Over the past decade, I have worked with the United Nations, the European Union, governments, consultancy firms, universities, international NGOs and grassroots organisations to advance women's and girls' rights and contribue to positive change around the world.
Throughout this journey, I've had the privilege of working with passionate, talented people who challenge and inspire me. These experiences have taught me the importance of listening, building trust and connecting with people from all walks of life, whether I'm speaking with a CEO, collaborating with an activist or listening to a young girl in a rural community.
My work is characterised by its depth, consistency and commitment to quality. I engage at all levels, from high-level policy discussions to grassroots initiatives, to understand complex issues from different perspectives, build bridges between stakeholders and translate knowledge into practical, evidence-based solutions.
Right to Rise is affiliated with several professional networks and academic communities, including the Netherlands Network for Human Rights Research, the Netherlands Jurists Committee for Human Rights, the African Studies Centre, the Dutch Association for Women and Law – Clara Wichmann, and the Dutch Foundation for Sexual Wellbeing.
Some of my greatest
Accomplishments
• Developed the overall programme strategy and Theory of Change for the Africa-Led Movement (ALM) to end FGM/C.
• Conducted field research in over 25 African countries.
• Conducted field research in over 25 African countries.
• Initiated webinar series on the impact of COVID-19 on FGM/C with 500+ participants.
• Authored a background paper for a high-level UN expert meeting on FGM/C in Addis Ababa.
• Authored a background paper for a high-level UN expert meeting on FGM/C in Addis Ababa.
• Successfully defended Ph.D. thesis at Tilburg University.
• Obtained two LLM degrees (Public International Law and Human Rights & Research Master in Law), both with
cum laude honors.
• Obtained two LLM degrees (Public International Law and Human Rights & Research Master in Law), both with
cum laude honors.
PhD Research
“Empty Promises?”
My Ph.D. thesis, entitled “Empty Promises? Compliance with the Human Rights Framework in relation to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in Senegal” examines FGM/C from a human rights law perspective.
While many countries — including Senegal — have adopted laws and policies to eliminate the practice, FGM/C remains widespread. This raises important questions about the gap between legal obligations and real-world implementation.
In this interdisciplinary study, I combined insights from law, political science, and anthropology. I spent five months conducting fieldwork in Senegal, where I interviewed a wide range of stakeholders: government officials, UN representatives, civil society actors, health professionals and community leaders. The research uncovers the complex mix of social, cultural, legal and political factors that influence state compliance with human rights obligations.
Download a summary of my Ph.D. research in English and French.
While many countries — including Senegal — have adopted laws and policies to eliminate the practice, FGM/C remains widespread. This raises important questions about the gap between legal obligations and real-world implementation.
In this interdisciplinary study, I combined insights from law, political science, and anthropology. I spent five months conducting fieldwork in Senegal, where I interviewed a wide range of stakeholders: government officials, UN representatives, civil society actors, health professionals and community leaders. The research uncovers the complex mix of social, cultural, legal and political factors that influence state compliance with human rights obligations.
Download a summary of my Ph.D. research in English and French.
The size of your dreams must always exceed
your current capacity to achieve them.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Elected President of Liberia and first female leader of an African nation.
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