Vice-Rector Rietje van Dam-Mieras and Professors Ernestine van der Wall (Religious Studies) and Els Goulmy (Transplantation Biology) have been named by news magazine OpZij  as among the hundred most powerful women in the Netherlands. The list is headed by Agnes Jongerius, chairman of the FNV.








Image: Vice-Rector Rietje van Dam-Mieras

Unlike other lists of powerful individuals, the Opzij list comprises ten categories, each with the ten most influential women in that category. Van Dam and Van der Wall are 9th and 10th respectively in the Education and Science category, Goulmy occupies 10th position in the Health Care category. Jongerius is number 1 in the Public Administration category and is also named as the most influential female in the Netherlands. 

The other seven sectors are: Politics, Sport, Justice and Public Order, Media, Charitable Organisations, Culture and the Business Sector.

Image: Els Goulmy

Opzij's reasoning behind the choices made is that holding a senior position and fulfilling top-level subsidiary posts is n ot enough. In the case of the women chosen, all have influential cross-sector positions, their personal character gives them influence in their field of work, they are visible in the media and they have a high profile in the public debate. The ten lists were compiled by Opzij's editorial team, in conjunction with experts from the different sectors and a jury. 

• View the Opzij website or
• Read the November 2009 issue of Opzij (€ 4.95 in bookshops or newsagents)

Image: Ernestine van der Wall

(21 October 2009)