ERG Women+

Women+ is an inclusive term that includes not only cisgender women (cisgender is the term for people whose gender registered at birth matches how they feel), but also other people who identify as female, non-binary, gender-nonconforming or genderqueer, and who share experiences related to gender discrimination or gender inequality. The plus sign (+) emphasises that the group goes beyond cisgender women and is open to anyone who feels connected to women's issues or who identifies with a broader gender identity. The use of "women+" recognises and respects diversity within the group and promotes an inclusive approach to gender equality.

Many NWO institutes still struggle with an unequal gender balance, which makes it all the more important to have an employee network such as the ERG Women+. This network provides support to underrepresented gender groups, promotes gender equality, and helps to create an inclusive working environment where everyone has equal opportunities for professional development.

Our mission is to develop a culture where the unique talents and strengths of women+ are recognised and valued. We focus on three key pillars: 

• building a support network for colleagues,
• raising awareness about gender diversity through engaging activities such as lectures
• promoting systemic change within NWO/NWO-I's EDI policy.

Our ultimate goal is to create a working environment where gender inclusiveness is central and where everyone can achieve their full potential.

Lunches and social activities

Meet other women and non-binary colleagues from the various NWO institutes, the NWO-I office, and NWO during Women+ ERG lunches. These take place around four times a year. The purpose of these gatherings is to get to know each other and to have discussions on a specific theme. From time to time, we also invite guest speakers for this purpose.

While enjoying a sandwich, we discuss a topic and share experiences, providing a safe space for women+. We will provide lunch.

Do you want to know more about the Women+ ERG or register? Kindly visit this page on our website.
If you register for the Women+ ERG, we will send you the calendar invitations for the gatherings.

Over the course of 2026, we aim to further expand lunches and/or other gatherings to institutes outside of Science Park Amsterdam.

Dates lunches & social activities in 2026

• Tuesday 13 January, 12.00-13.00. Lunch meeting. Topic: Career, exchanging experiences & tips. Location: AMOLF, room B, 2.34
• Tuesday 14 April 2026, 16.00, meeting with drinks after. Topic: Allyship. Location: AMOLF, Lecture Room
• Tuesday 14 July 2026, 12.00-13.00. Lunch meeting outdoors: meeting each other. Location: p.m. in the surroundings of Science Park
• Tuesday 13 October 2026, 12.00-13.00. Lunch meeting. Topic: combining social & working life (work-life balance, dual career problems, ….) Location: Nikhef, Room Positron
• Tuesday 10 November 2026, 12.00-13.00. Online Lunch meeting: topic: p.m. 

Online meetings on policy and organizing activities

Do you want to contribute ideas on policies to improve the position of women and non-binary colleagues within NWO? Or help set up activities, such as a symposium around International Women’s Day on the 8^th of March? We work on input for policies regarding equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as planning events that help raise awareness.

When you sign up as a member of the Women+ ERG, we will send you the agenda invitations for these meetings. The meetings are online at 4:00 PM, making it easy to participate from different parts of NWO.

Dates online meetings 2025/2026

• Tuesday 11 November 2025, 16.00-17.00
• Tuesday 10 February 2026, 16.00-17.00
• Tuesday 9 Juni 2026, 16.00-17.00
• Tuesday 8 September 2026, 16.00-17.00

More information about ERG Women+

Please contact Iris Koopmans, coordinator Women+ ERG, or co-coördinators Masha Ogienko en Bibiane Jager, via the email adress womenplus@nwo.nl. They will have further conversations with you.

Sign up for the network

If you are interested in joining our ERG Women+, please sign up here: 

This data will be used exclusively for your network registration and e-mails from us about ERG Women+.