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, independent consultant, researcher and lecturer. Feminist. Bridge-builder. Adventurer. Mother. Human.
My purpose is to ensure that every individual has an equal opportunity to make the most of their lives and talents.
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 felt compelled to understand human behavior and what drives gendered and social change. The issues of FGM/C and gender-based violence stood out early on — not only as legal or social problems, but also as deeply personal issues that resonate with me as a woman.
That combination of conviction and curiosity led me to become a human rights lawyer and, now, an FGM/C and gender-based violence specialist.
Over the past decade, I have worked with the United Nations, the European Union, consultancy firms, universities and many international NGOs and grassroots organisations to drive change and create solutions to improve the lives of women and girls around the world.
Throughout this journey, I've surrounded myself with passionate, talented people who challenge and inspire me. Constant interaction with people from all walks of life has taught me how to connect —whether I'm working with a goal-oriented CEO, an enthusiastic activist, or a shy girl in a rural village.
My work is known for its consistency, depth, and high quality. I engage at all levels —from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork — to better understand processes, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure more meaningful and effective outcomes.
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 felt compelled to understand human behavior and what drives gendered and social change. The issues of FGM/C and gender-based violence stood out early on — not only as legal or social problems, but also as deeply personal issues that resonate with me as a woman.
That combination of conviction and curiosity led me to become a human rights lawyer and, now, an FGM/C and gender-based violence specialist.
Over the past decade, I have worked with the United Nations, the European Union, consultancy firms, universities and many international NGOs and grassroots organisations to drive change and create solutions to improve the lives of women and girls around the world.
Throughout this journey, I've surrounded myself with passionate, talented people who challenge and inspire me. Constant interaction with people from all walks of life has taught me how to connect —whether I'm working with a goal-oriented CEO, an enthusiastic activist, or a shy girl in a rural village.
My work is known for its consistency, depth, and high quality. I engage at all levels —from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork — to better understand processes, build trust with stakeholders, and ensure more meaningful and effective outcomes.
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 and monitored projects in over 25 African countries.
• Conducted field research and monitored projects 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.
