Executive directorAnne-Floor Dekker has been the Executive Director of WO=MEN since 2024. Between 2015 and 2024, she coordinated WO=MEN's lobby and advocacy efforts on inclusive peace and security issues. Her focus was on the Dutch Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Justice and Security, as well as on NATO, the European Union, and the UN Security Council. Anne-Floor Dekker was also the civil society coordinator of the Dutch National Action Plan 1325. The NAP 1325 is a collaboration between more than sixty civil society partners and four ministries. Together, they make agreements on the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda in the Netherlands.
Why do you work at WO=MEN?
"My primary goal is to ensure that everyone can fully exercise their human rights. Contributing to this and to the equal power relations necessary for it has been my driving force throughout my life."
What inspires you in your work at WO=MEN?
"The female human rights defenders we work with. Their stories and strength are what I find most inspiring. Furthermore, being part of a dynamic, diverse movement: we don't stand alone, we stand together."
What do you hope to achieve or change through your work at WO=MEN?
"To maintain the red line on acquired rights for women, men, and non-binary individuals. I hope we can advance the understanding of why human rights and a healthy democratic state with an active civil society are so important. That we can inspire even more people."
What makes WO=MEN special?
"As a platform, we are part of something bigger. We are incredibly diverse: from diaspora organizations to large development organizations, from pacifists to military personnel, everyone is in our platform and we all consider the same things important. We work across all boundaries: with all different parts of the national government, but also with local activists, in the Netherlands and worldwide. At WO=MEN, everything comes together."
