As hosts of this initiative, the DGHA and SRHR platform’s aim with this initiative is to maintain and strengthen the Netherlands’ leadership role on global health and SRHR by bringing parliamentarians from a broad range of political parties together to stand up for these issues.
During their opening remarks, co-chairs of the MPI – Roelien Kamminga (VVD) and Sarah Dobbe (SP) – explained why there is momentum for this initiative. Roelien: “We have to share our knowledge and try to support women who were not born here and have bigger challenges. We have good hope that we have sent a signal to this government that these are important topics and that we have to keep putting them on the agenda.” Sarah added: “All over the world people are pushing back on women’s rights, sexual freedom and SRHR. It is so inspiring here today, because I think it is very important that we share these experiences with each other and develop strategies to cope with them.”
Sarah Dobbe (SP)
Roelien Kamminga (VVD)
In a video statement that was shown during the opening, four experts also explained why investments from the Dutch government remains essential for global health and SRHR worldwide.
The opening was followed by two thematic sessions: the first session being on Advancing Dutch leadership on sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, and the second session on Pandemic preparedness and Antimicrobial Resistance. Among the speakers were Members of Parliament Femke Zeedijk (NSC) and Danielle Hirsch (GroenLinks/PvdA). Elizabeth Sully (Guttmacher Institute) gave the audience insights into the impact of Dutch funding for SRHR. She shared the main findings from the Guttmacher Institute’s newly released report ‘Just the Numbers’: “The Dutch government has proven itself through these investments to be a true champion of SRHR globally, but any cuts to ODA [official development assistance] risk tarnishing this reputation if SRHR funding is at stake.”
From left to right: Elizabeth Sully (Guttmacher Institute), Mukami Marete (UHAI), Jelle Postma (Justice for Prosperity) and moderator Michael Creek (Stickydot).
From left to right: Jo-Angeline Kalambo (Global Fund), Vjiayashree Yellepa (KNCV Tuberculosis Foundation), Constance Schultsz (Amsterdam UMC/AIGHD) and moderator Michael Creek (Stickydot).
Björn Gillsäter (Gavi)
Luuk Pepers (ONE Youth Ambassador)
Vania Kibui (Amref Health Africa) concluded the event with a powerful message: “I would like you to remember that you’re investing in advocates like myself, who are actually working in their communities and with their governments to strengthen the systems so everybody can live in a safe and healthy environment and they have the capacity to live the best version of their lives.”
Vania Kibui (Amref Health Africa)
During the closing of the event, the four Members of Parliament who were present added their names to the commitment list which included signatures from four others who had already signed. Members of Parliament from eight political parties have officially committed to the MPI: Roelien Kamminga (VVD), Sarah Dobbe (SP), Femke Zeedijk (NSC), Danielle Hirsch (GroenLinks/PvdA), Marieke Koekkoek (Volt), Derk Boswijk (CDA), Wieke Paulusma (D66) and Ines Kostic (PvdD).
From left to right: Danielle Hirsch (GroenLinks/PvdA), SRHR platform coordinator Eefke Deneer (Rutgers), Sarah Dobbe (SP), Femke Zeedijk (NSC), and DGHA coordinator Rosana Lescrauwaet (Cordaid).
We look back on a successful launch and look forward to continuing the discussions in subsequent MPI events! Keep an eye out for news about this.
You can watch the recording of the livestream on this page on Nieuwspoort’s website.
In the slide show below, you can find a recap of some powerful statements from the speakers and Members of Parliament.
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