On 13 November, the International Institute of Social History (IISG) in Amsterdam will host the launch of Ireen Dubel’s new book, Dutch Transnational Feminist Solidarity Activism.
The publication marks half a century of Dutch involvement in transnational feminist solidarity, a movement that took shape during the UN International Women’s Year in 1975. In this work, Dubel traces the evolution of these networks between 1975 and 2018, drawing on rich archival sources and extensive interviews. Through examples such as reproductive rights advocacy, Women on Waves, anti-apartheid campaigns, and UN engagement, the book demonstrates how collaboration between activists, academics, civil society organisations, and policy allies - both in the Netherlands and across the Global South - has shaped feminist achievements on the international stage.
During the event, Ireen Dubel will discuss her motivations for undertaking this multi-year study and reflect on both the distinctive and the controversial aspects of the activism explored. A roundtable discussion will follow, featuring Anouka van Eerdewijk, Joke Swiebel, To Tjoelker, and Elaine Unterhalter, who will share insights from their own experiences with feminist solidarity and policy advocacy.
Programme
16.00 – Welcome and introduction by Leontine Bijleveld
16.05 – Ireen Dubel: The relevance of the research and some unique and contentious features of Dutch transnational feminist solidarity (1975-2018)
16.20 – Presentation of the first copies to Laetitia van den Assum and Daniëlle Hirsch
16.35 – Roundtable discussion with Anouka van Eerdewijk, Joke Swiebel, To Tjoelker, and Elaine Unterhalter
17.20 – Drinks and book sale (Uitgeverij Verloren)
Practical Information
Date: 13 November 2025
Time: 16.00
Location: IISG, Cruquiusweg 31, Amsterdam
Admission: Free (registration required at event@iisg.nl)
Further details are available on the IISG website.
Locatie: IISG, Cruquiusweg 31, Amsterdam