Toespraak staatssecretaris Paul bij de uitreiking van de For Women in Science Awards
Staatssecretaris Paul (OCW) hield donderdag 17 april 2025 een toespraak bij de uitreiking van de International Awards L'Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science, een prijs voor briljante vrouwelijke wetenschappers. De tekst is alleen in het engels beschikbaar.
Het gesproken woord geldt.
Good afternoon!
Imagine this: you’re a young woman who wants to become a doctor—just like your father. But people say: “That’s not an option. Women don’t go to university; instead, they go to a Finishing School. There, you learn about etiquette, how to behave properly in the presence of your future husband, and how to carry out a variety of household chores. What else would you aim for?”
You realize that achieving your dream of becoming a doctor will require bold action. So what do you do? You write a letter: "Dear Prime Minister, could you please open the university to women as well?" After a lot of back and forth, the Prime Minister finally agrees to let you attend university, for a trial period of 1 year. You succeed, you graduate, earn your doctorate, and become a doctor.
Dear science lovers,
This story of a young girl’s dream took place in the Netherlands—just 150 years ago. It’s the story of Aletta Jacobs. She refused to accept the life others had mapped out for her. She rattled the gates, loudly.
And the male gatekeepers opened them—just a crack. Enough for many other women to realize that the door to science could open for them too. Wider and wider.
Today, no woman needs permission from a male minister to study. Thankfully. But still, science is often seen as a man’s world. Yes, the total percentage of female academic staff at Dutch universities has increased—from 37% in 2013 to 44% in 2023. But look closer: the higher the position, the fewer the women. In fact, the percentage of female professors in the Netherlands is still below the EU average. And especially in the STEM fields, men still dominate.
Sadly, sexism, inappropriate comments, and bullying are far from gone. As a result, individual talents don’t always get the chance to shine. That’s a deep injustice. It’s upsetting, it should make us angry, and calls for action.
Because universities miss out on brilliant scientists. And society loses its best shot at the future. Because science is at its strongest when it includes a wide range of perspectives. That’s what gives us the best chance at fresh, original and relevant ideas. We simply can’t afford to waste talent—especially now, with major staff shortages and global challenges coming at us at full speed.
That’s why it has been such a great honor for me to present the Awards to four outstanding scientists today. Your excellent scientific work is the best possible proof that every talent deserves the chance to thrive.
I’ve learned that seven previous winners of these Awards have gone on to win a Nobel Prize. So—who knows? You are all shining examples for many young girls and women—like the students you met today at NEMO. It’s so important that they see, from a young age, that a career in science and technology is a great and feasible option for women too.
It’s equally wonderful to see companies stepping up to make a positive impact on society in this area. The government is doing its part as well—for instance, by funding better science and technology education, with a special focus on involving girls and women.
We also support efforts to break down gender stereotypes in education. This helps create safer, more inclusive schools. And it gives students the freedom and confidence to make their own choices.
Dear all,
We’ve come a long way. In Aletta Jacobs’ time, ideas about what was “feminine” or “masculine” were carved in stone. And even today, stereotypes remain persistent. They still get in the way of girls’ dreams.
Looking at today’s award winners: you no doubt know them from experience. But you stood your ground and kept pushing ahead. I have no doubt we’ll be hearing a lot more from you in the future. Your example is impressive and inspiring.
To everyone here today—thank you! With so many inspiring examples, from the past and the present, I hope you all get to make your dreams a reality.