The Netherlands wants to lead the way in the field of gender equality, but that ambition is under pressure. Various international rankings and studies show that the Netherlands is losing ground. On 15 September 2026, the government submitted the new gender equality policy document 2027–2030 to the House of Representatives, setting out the policy objectives for the gender equality of women and LGBTI+ people. Atria identifies three key areas of focus for realising these ambitions.
The Netherlands wants to lead the way in the field of gender equality, but that ambition is under pressure. Various international rankings and studies show that the Netherlands is losing ground. On 15 September 2026, the government submitted the new gender equality policy document 2027–2030 to the House of Representatives, setting out the policy objectives for the gender equality of women and LGBTI+ people. Atria identifies three key areas of focus for realising these ambitions.
One specific target set out in the gender equality policy document Freedom Matters! [PDF] is for the Netherlands to be back in the top three of the European Institute for Gender Equality’s Gender Equality Index by 2030. In 2025, the Netherlands was in fifth place. On the global Gender Gap Index, too, the Netherlands fell to 46th place in 2026, three places lower than in 2025. In 2008, the Netherlands was still in the top 10.
In addition, last year the Netherlands was criticised by the committee that monitors compliance with the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women.
To achieve these goals, the government must promote gender equality and accelerate the implementation of international obligations. Atria welcomes the recognition that gender equality is a fundamental prerequisite for a safe, just and free society. At the same time, this requires structural policy, adequate resources and a long-term vision.
1. Tackle the root causes of inequality
It is good that attention is being paid to stereotypes and harmful norms as root causes of inequality. Gender-stereotypical attitudes, unequal power relations and restrictive social norms perpetuate gender inequality. For example, our study Free to Choose? showed that gender stereotypes influence young adults’ choices of study and career, as well as the division of household tasks.
Address women’s and LGBTI+ gender equality in a holistic manner
In the gender equality policy document, the government treats women’s gender equality and LGBTI+ gender equality as separate policy areas. It is important to pay attention to both groups, but both forms of gender equality and disadvantage are partly underpinned by the same conservative attitudes and harmful norms.
It is therefore important to recognise this interconnection and tackle it jointly. Measures for women’s gender equality must not come at the expense of LGBTI+ gender equality. Otherwise, there is a risk that both will be viewed as a zero-sum game, in which attention and resources for one group come at the expense of the other. This is a harmful narrative that can foster exclusion.
Continue to identify gender-based violence as such
In the previous gender equality policy document issued by the Schoof government, references to gender and gender equality were removed or toned down. Atria is therefore pleased to see these concepts reinstated. They recognise that social structures and stereotypes perpetuate inequality, discrimination and exclusion. Atria recommends continuing to use the terms ‘gender’, ‘gender equality’ and ‘gender-based violence’.
However, the gender equality policy document replaces the term ‘gender-based violence’ with ‘violence against women’. This represents a step backwards in relation to national and international developments concerning women’s rights and gender equality (see also the analysis of gender equality policy in the Netherlands).
The term ‘gender-based violence’ makes it clear that violence is linked to broader societal causes and gender norms. This perspective is essential for gender-sensitive policy and structural prevention. The term ‘violence against women’ risks reducing violence to a ‘women’s issue’, thereby paving the way for victim-blaming and a focus on treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes.
Invest in long-term prevention and cultural change
In preventing gender-based violence, including violence by (former) partners and sexual violence, it is important to challenge gender stereotypes and harmful social norms. This requires a long-term vision and sustained commitment.
Atria welcomes the fact that State Secretary Tiele is taking on board the lessons from the National Action Programme to Tackle Inappropriate Sexual Behaviour and Sexual Violence (NAP). The policy document focuses on actively combating sexism, stereotypes and harmful attitudes that may normalise or justify violence.
The guide The Pyramid of Violence, co-developed by Atria within the Act4Respect alliance, illustrates how stereotypical views on sexuality, relationships and gender, as well as microaggressions based on sex, gender or sexual orientation contribute to a culture in which violence is normalised. Research into sexual violence against bi+ women and intersex people also emphasises the importance of this perspective.
Embed an intersectional perspective
The gender equality Policy Document pays little attention to intersectional inequalities, except in relation to the economic independence of migrant women. The 2022–2025 gender equality policy document devoted a separate section to this.
An intersectional perspective is needed to take account of the interplay between gender and, for example, ethnic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and socio-economic status. Without this perspective, policy fails to adequately address the diverse experiences and needs of different groups.
Recommendations
Focus on long-term primary prevention and cultural change, paying attention to gender stereotypes and harmful social norms.
Continue to identify and tackle gender-based violence as such, including its societal causes.
Address women’s gender equality and LGBTI+ gender equality in an integrated manner and avoid a zero-sum framework.
Embed an intersectional perspective in gender equality policy.
2. Make gender equality a responsibility of the whole government
The State Secretary is focusing primarily on policies that create the right conditions: in addition to legislation and regulations, the government aims to create favourable conditions and to stimulate social change and awareness. Atria endorses the importance of this, but emphasises that it is also necessary to assess and evaluate whether policies are being developed and implemented in a gender-sensitive manner.
Embed gender mainstreaming in the policy cycle
The gender equality policy document pays little attention to gender mainstreaming, gender-sensitive policy and interdepartmental cooperation. The 2022–2025 policy document devoted more attention to these issues.
The gender assessment is mentioned in the new policy document, but its application remains too non-binding. There is no systematic reporting on it, its relevance is sometimes wrongly disregarded, and the assessment is not always used in policy development.
Combating gender stereotypes and integrating a gender perspective must therefore form part of the entire policy cycle: from policy development through to implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Ensure sufficient knowledge, capacity and accountability
As many measures fall within the remit of individual ministries, the government must ensure sufficient gender-specific expertise, capacity and priority across the entire public sector. It is also important that research institutions and civil society organisations are systematically involved in the development and evaluation of policy.
Furthermore, the government must be accountable for the application of gender analyses and the impacts of policy. The current gender assessment is not sufficient for this purpose: clear responsibilities, systematic monitoring and a more rigorous application are necessary to prevent policy from unintentionally perpetuating or exacerbating existing inequalities.
Work with a long-term vision
Structural inequality calls for a long-term vision and concrete goals. Research into this has been carried out within the Economic Resilience of Women (EVV) programme, of which Atria is a partner. The findings have been compiled, amongst other places, in the inspirational magazine Building Economic Resilience for Women and can also be found in the in the forthcoming guide More Women in Work: Tools for Local Policy-Makers.
Preventing gender-based violence also requires a long-term commitment. Isolated measures are insufficient to change deeply entrenched social norms and structures.
Recommendations
Embed gender mainstreaming throughout the entire policy cycle.
Increase knowledge, expertise and capacity for gender-sensitive and intersectional policy across all ministries.
Make gender analyses less non-binding and ensure transparent accountability.
Systematically involve research institutions and civil society organisations in policy-making.
Adopt a long-term vision and set concrete targets.
3. Take digital threats to gender equality seriously
Atria welcomes the focus on the consequences of digital technology, harmful disinformation and the role of the anti-gender movement. The government highlights, amongst other things, new core objectives for digital literacy and citizenship, research into harmful anti-gender narratives and the ‘manosphere’, and the involvement of boys and men in gender equality.
Attention is also given to the impact of online hate directed at female politicians. Our research which examines the scale, nature and consequences of online aggression and violence against female politicians, is cited in this context.
Tackle harmful online gender norms
Online movements such as the ‘manosphere’ can reinforce rigid gender norms, sexism and misogyny. Online hate and homophobic, biphobic and transphobic expressions also contribute to a culture in which discrimination and violence are normalised. European research shows that boys are becoming more conservative in their beliefs. This may be partly linked to online influences.
Atria is currently conducting an exploratory study into the ‘manosphere’ and the experiences of boys and young men aged between sixteen and thirty with social media.
It is important not only to combat disinformation, but also to investigate how online environments reinforce gender stereotypes. In doing so, attention must be paid to the role of Big Tech and social media platforms in the spread of disinformation and anti-gender ideology, and to their responsibility in the areas of human rights, privacy and safety.
Pay greater attention to gender equality in technology and AI
Women are under-represented in emerging professions: only 18% of people in ICT professions are women. The women’s gender equality policy document focuses primarily on increasing the intake into technical fields. However, according to VHTO, this under-representation is also linked to the culture within the tech sector, which means that women do not always feel at home there and are more likely to leave. Cultural change is therefore also needed to retain women and improve their career progression opportunities.
It is striking that AI is not explicitly mentioned anywhere in the gender equality policy document. AI and algorithms can reproduce and reinforce gender stereotypes and existing inequalities. This requires attention, particularly now that governments and businesses are increasingly using algorithms and AI in decision-making.
Other digital developments may also have implications for women’s safety and privacy. Examples include stalking and intimate terror via GPS tracking and the Internet of Things, drones fitted with cameras, camera glasses and FemTech. The government must investigate what measures are needed to safeguard human rights, privacy and safety.
Recommendations
Increase awareness of gender stereotypes, prejudices and social norms in the development of technology.
Investigate how digitalisation affects women’s safety and gender equality, including stalking, intimate terror and privacy risks.
Pay attention to the role of Big Tech and its relationship with the anti-gender movement, including in the dissemination and funding of disinformation.
Hold technology companies and social media platforms accountable for human rights, privacy and safety.
Pay attention to AI and algorithms and their potential implications for gender equality.
Promote a more inclusive culture in the technology sector, so that women not only enter the sector but can also remain in it and progress in their careers.
