Following the continued threats from the Trump administration of a US takeover of the island, NATO members are sending their best and brightest military officials to Greenland for a reconnaissance training.
As announced on X by Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans, the Netherlands will be sending two high-ranking naval officials to join NATO’s planned military exercise in the Arctic region.
Oof, that’s a lot of pressure on two men. Let’s hope they’re up to the task.
UPDATE: While the initial announcement by the Dutch defence minister stated that they would only be sending one officer, he has since announced that the Netherlands will be doubling its manpower.
A whole two officers will be travelling to Greenland.
Why only two?
Well, according to the BBC, NATO’s entire operation in Greenland consists of only a few dozen personnel total.
This mission will help NATO plan and design further exercises in the region, so large numbers of troops are not required (yet).
For instance, Finland is sending only two officers.
The goal is likely also symbolic: NATO members coming together to demonstrate strength and to show that they do not take Trump’s threats of a takeover by force lightly.
It’s not entirely clear that the message is getting across, however. Some Dutchies are finding the meagre deployment a bit of a joke…
Let’s just say it’s more of an intimate gathering than a festival. And everyone’s hoping the guest of honour doesn’t show up.
Larger deployment possible
As Brekelmans announced, this current mission is largely explorative.
“A larger deployment within NATO (Arctic Sentry) is a possible next step,” his X post reads.
The Netherlands will contribute to the joint reconnaissance in Greenland in preparation for a military exercise in the Arctic region. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/iBlAVcK6Z4
So while one soldier suffices for now, the Dutch military is by no means naive about the reality.
They are prepared to send more officers if need be, but let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.
Trump’s response
Surprise, surprise, he still wants Greenland.
Speaking of Trump’s reaction to the news, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that these actions would not “impact his goal at all.”
The Netherlands’ stance is clear, however: no Trump in Greenland.
What are your thoughts on the latest developments? Let us know in the comments!
Celebrities, children, and members of parliament are being digitally stripped or set on fire. This isn’t innovation in artificial intelligence. It’s abuse.
The newest model of Elon Musk’s chatbot, Grok 4.1 AI, which was rolled out in November 2025, is a breeding ground for racism, sexual harassment, and extreme violence.
Justice Minister Foort van Oosten is urgently considering a ban in the Netherlands, calling the practices “extremely reprehensible,” reports AD.
Grok is an accomplice
Despite claims that violent or sexual content is blocked, Grok appears more than eager to help users stoop to a lower level.
An investigation by AD caught the chatbot making explicit suggestions such as “choose a revealing silhouette” for a video that undresses a young girl.
On Grok, public figures can be digitally undressed, covered in warts, or even set on fire (with their charred remains shown).
Using a celebrity’s face, or prompts of this kind, is at the moment impossible on ChatGPT and Google Gemini.
The most vulnerable victims of this technology are children.
Dutch schools are reporting AI-generated bullying videos where students cry, scream, or are made to look “stupid.”
Public ICT partner Kennisnet notes complaints about the creation or distribution of unwanted images in primary schools.
Police figures echo the trend. Reports of online sexual abuse rose by 46% last year, many involving deepfakes.
Offlimits, an online abuse expertise centre, saw a 260% spike in AI-related reports alone.
Enforcement is difficult
Creating fake nude images (and anything about minors) is already illegal in the Netherlands, but enforcement struggles to track perpetrators who hide behind anonymous accounts and American tech giants.
The infamous X, the home platform of Grok, is accused of responding poorly to takedown requests.
Meanwhile, Indonesia and Malaysia have already blocked Grok. The UK is investigating. The Netherlands may soon follow.
The road ahead
The Netherlands’ Minister of Justice, Foort van Oosten, acknowledged the enormous impact that online sexual abuse has on its victims and their families.
Yet, “The issue is complex and unfortunately has no quick solution,” he stated.
Director of online abuse expert agency Offlimits, Robert Hoving, tells AD:
“We talk a lot about genocide and violence against women, but at the same time, we turn a blind eye to all of this.”
A systemic hatred against women and minorities flourishes on Grok, while Elon Musk looks the other way.
Perhaps his apathy is underwritten by xAI’s boom in investments last week — bringing the questionable app up to $20 billion.
Several regions in Amersfoort and its surroundings are under a “boil-water advisory”, after enterococci bacteria were found at a drinking water production site.
According to water provider Vitens, the bacteria were first discovered during an inspection of one of their storage cellars on January 12.
Areas supplied by the contaminated water include parts of Amersfoort, Achterveld, Bunschoten-Spakenburg, Hoogland, Hooglanderveen, Leusden, Soest, Soesterberg, Stoutenburg, and Stoutenburg-Noord.
While the storage cellar has now been taken out of service, Vitens is hesitant to lift the boil-water advisory until the supplied area is clear of bacteria.
Boil your water for three minutes, says experts
As of January 15, the provider is “working hard to identify the source of the contamination and eliminate it”. In the meantime, a boil-water advisory applies.
But what exactly is a boil-water advisory? And what does it mean for you?
This warning is pretty much exactly what it says on the tin: your drinking water is contaminated, so you’re advised to boil it before use.
There’s no need to stock up on bottled drinking water, says the provider. Image: Freepik
On their website, Vitens advises boiling your water for three minutes before drinking it, preparing food or drinks with it (such as tea or coffee), and brushing your teeth.
Living in the Isselt district, instead? You’re in luck, because the boil-water advisory doesn’t apply to your area.
Other Amersfoort residents can expect an update on the advisory by January 20, as Vitens continues testing the drinking water supply.
Helaas, this isn’t the first time Vitens has had a run-in with enterococci bacteria. The last contamination affected around 125,000 homes across Utrecht in November 2025.
The increase of online misogyny, coupled with growing male loneliness and incel culture, has culminated in a hateful corner of the internet: the manosphere. Even in a place as progressive as the Netherlands, young men and women are at risk.
If you haven’t heard of the manosphere at this point, you are a rare breed of chronically offline.
This dangerous phenomenon is a global issue, inspiring hit shows like Adolescence and warranting action by major organisations such as the United Nations.
And, surprise, surprise, it’s reached the Netherlands. So what steps is the country taking to combat this harmful ideology?
Firstly, what is the Manosfeer?
As defined by the UN, the manosphere is “an umbrella term for online communities that have increasingly promoted narrow and aggressive definitions of what it means to be a man,” more often than not at the cost of women’s well-being.
Rather than existing as a single subculture, the manosphere is a divided, fragmented, and insidious community that promotes anti-feminist and misogynistic thinking.
It exists as a collection of online movements with a single message about what masculinity is meant to be.
This variety means Dutch boys can be targeted with increasing specificity and effectiveness.
The growing fame of English-speaking manosphere influencers like Andrew Tate, Jordan Peterson, and Myron Gaines (real name Amrou Fudl) has both shocked and intrigued the online world. It has also inspired copycats in the Netherlands.
To quote Wouda, these videos are a “community where men are focused on self-improvement,” and the ultimate message is “positive.”
Clearly, the manosphere has a targeted reach into the hearts and minds of Dutch jongens.
According to the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV) of the Netherlands, security threats are becoming more of an individual process, and the Netherlands continues to have a “substantial” threat degree (level 4 out of 5) for attacks.
This kind of personal and individual radicalisation, findings show, often begins with online immersion in the realms of misogyny and right-wing extremism.
Luckily, the nation is responding in turn.
Nederland vs. Manosfeer
Manosfeer, look out: the Dutch are attacking the issue from several angles.
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) is conducting studies to better understand this community’s social and individual influences.
This is good news: a more comprehensive picture of what makes the manosphere so attractive to Dutch youth, in particular, will help inform better solutions.
Cultural and academic organisations like SPUI25 are also platforming speakers with deep insight into Dutch feminism and how to defend the nation from violence against women.
In addition, several individual programs exist to help bring young Dutch men back into the light.
Some of these programs are specifically mentioned by the Dutch government as potential solutions.
Groups like Emancipator, a Dutch organisation that aims to involve young men in the gender equality movement, offer training, newsletters, and information on positive masculinity.
Initiatives like LEFGozers allow young men to enrol individually or in groups to learn about power, peer pressure, respect, and macho behaviour.
In addition, the Nederlandse Jeugdinstituut has compiled information on recognising the manosphere and why it is so controversial.
Clearly, the resources are out there.
Not just for the sake of women
The central goal of these organisations is not just to protect women; they also intend to address the root causes of why these manosphere influencers are so attractive to young Dutch men.
Emancipator specifically addresses that “Feminism needs men for a better world, and men need feminism for a better life.”
The constricting and high-pressure nature of patriarchy has put young men in an uncomfortable and, often, very lonely position.
Speaking to EenVandaag, Dutch psychiatrist Esther van Fenema explains that “there’s little to counter [the manosphere] that boys can identify with.”
Thankfully, the Dutch seem to have found a niche in addressing this.
The above organisations focus on root causes and offer alternatives to the harmful messages out there.
As LEFgozers states on their site, their program is a place “where courage no longer means macho behaviour, but rather going your own way.”
Ultimately, the manosfeer may be loud, but there is reason for hope.
Have you encountered the manosfeer? Let us know in the comments!
For years, we at DutchReview have been open about our love for Eurostar — the sleek trains, the comfy seats, and the joy of stepping onto a platform in the Netherlands and stepping off in the heart of Paris or London. It is fast, it is easy, and it feels just a little bit glamorous.
Since February 2025, the direct Eurostar connection from Amsterdam and Rotterdam to London has been running smoothly again. Now the service is getting an upgrade, because as of January 1, Eurostar is running five direct trains per day between Amsterdam and London.
More trains mean more flexibility, more spontaneous city breaks, and more chances to swap daily routines for a quick escape across the Channel.
The new Eurostar timetable
A one-way ticket from Amsterdam to London starts from €44, depending on availability and booking conditions. The journey from Amsterdam to London takes 4 hours and 19 minutes, and from Rotterdam it is around 3 hours and 30 minutes. No airport queues, no baggage belts, just smooth rail travel straight into St Pancras.
Starting 1 January, this is how the direct Amsterdam–London service will look:
Departure from Amsterdam
Arrival in London
7:42 AM
11:03 AM
9:42 AM
1:03 PM
12:42 PM
4:03 PM
4:42 PM
8:03 PM
6:42 PM
10:03 PM
All trains also stop at Rotterdam Centraal, adding even more convenience for travellers in South Holland.
Save more with Eurostar SNAP ⚡️
If you love a bargain, SNAP is your new best friend. It is Eurostar’s last-minute deal platform where you can book heavily discounted tickets shortly before travel. You pick a travel day and Eurostar picks the exact train — and in return, you get a much lower fare.
For flexible travellers, it is a brilliant way to visit London without breaking the bank.
1. Wander through London’s magical neighbourhoods
Winter magic is around every corner in London. Image: Depositphotos
London is a city that rewards wandering, especially in the wintertime. Even after the holidays, London is the definition of festive overload, and we mean that in the best way.
Think Covent Garden wrapped in ribbons and Oxford Street dripping with lights, and parks offering everything from ice skating to questionable (but delicious) amounts of cinnamon sugar.
2. Step into a 1930s jazz dream at The Lost Estate
Jazz in London is always a fine idea. Image: Supplied/58th Street
If you’re looking for something atmospheric, theatrical, and extremely Instagrammable, the 58 Street Club at The Lost Estate is your spot.
This immersive theatre-jazz experience recreates the golden age of the 1930s with live music, storytelling, cocktails, and the kind of lighting that makes everyone look like the mysterious lead in a noir film. It’s decadent, dramatic, definitely on our to-do list and absolutely perfect for a wintry night out in London.
3. Drift through London’s museums after dark
London is home to some of the most famous museums in the world. Image: Depositphotos
Winter is museum season in London, mostly because it is cold, but also because the museums are spectacular.
Many major institutions offer late-night openings, which means fewer crowds and a wonderfully atmospheric evening experience. Visit the Natural History Museum, the V&A, or the Tate Modern, grab a warm drink afterwards, and feel instantly more sophisticated.
Some spots even run winter-themed exhibits, which are an excellent excuse to say “it’s culture” while hiding from the wind.
4. Explore London’s food markets
London’s food markets are strong all year, and missing them on your trip would be a crime.
From Southbank to Camden Market, you can wander from street food classics to international flavours in a matter of minutes. It is lively, colourful, and ideal for travellers who like to explore a city through its food.
Why more trains matter
There is something special about travelling from Amsterdam to London in just over four hours, without changing trains, without airport queues, and without taking off your shoes for security.
With five direct services running daily as of January 1, planning a weekend away or a spontaneous midweek trip has never been easier. So, pack your bag, grab your ticket, and let Eurostar whisk you straight into the heart of London.
Have you ever taken the Eurostar to London? Share your experience in the comments below.
There are some things the Dutch don’t talk about that they really, really should. What on earth is in bitterballen? And why is the Netherlands a tax haven?
From the absence of curtains to the unspoken presence of colonialism, the Dutch really have some things to address.
That said, we won’t talk about Sinterklaas and his problematic helper, as that’s a whole other conversation.
1. Curtains: Why don’t they close them?
Listen. In most countries, people close their curtains when night falls, because the darkness outside means that everything you do inside your house can be seen from outside.
Completely wide open? Just like that? For all to see? Image: Depositphotos
For better or worse, Dutch people tend to keep their curtains open in the evening, especially in their living and dining rooms.
You can see families chatting, eating together, or watching TV as you stroll through the city, which is lovely. But also… unique. Why don’t we talk about this more?
2. Bureaucracy: Never a topic at the Dutch dinner table
There’s no doubt that a little bit of bureaucracy is great. Even a lot of bureaucracy is great. But the Netherlands goes way too far on this front, and many internationals, especially, struggle with it.
It seems like a bad joke at first when you realise, OK, I need a fixed address to get a BSN, which I need for my job, which I need to afford… the fixed address.
Dutch people might not talk about bureaucracy, but we internationals sure do. Image: DutchReview/Supplied
Alas, it is true, and it is a struggle. Dutch people, though, don’t ever talk about this! Presumably, those of us from somewhat disorganised countries just aren’t used to this level of organisation.
Or maybe it’s because the Dutchies have been indoctrinated since birth to tell the government everything about themselves…
3. Feminism: The Netherlands is not top-ranking
The Netherlands prides itself on its gender equality and, more generally, on its progressive values. However, discussions on feminist issues in the Netherlands regarding gender equality do not happen very often.
There is a real danger in being too complacent and self-satisfied with past progress on these issues. The Netherlands still has room for improvement, and talking about feminism is just the beginning.
4. We’re sinking! Does anyone want to address this? No?
Look, we understand why you’d want to ignore this one. No one wants to think about being accidentally underwater, but science has shown that the Netherlands is slowly sinking. Will we survive? Maybe.
With sea levels set to rise due to climate change, it’s weird that most Dutchies don’t talk about the distinct possibility of, well, being underwater soon.
We’re confident that the Netherlands, famed for its innovation and sustainability, will come up with a great solution when they eventually start talking about this.
5. Dutch colonialism: The historical elephant in the room
As is the case with most former colonial powers, the Dutch don’t talk about colonisation nearly enough.
That’s one way to look at it, sure…But what about the negatives?
Standing in the shadow of the VOC Image: Depositphotos
Of course, on closer inspection, these eras were as full of exploitation and racism as art, trade, and nationalism.
But this makes the Dutch go rather quiet, even in museums like the Rijksmuseum, which won’t stop using the term “Golden Age”. 🔎
6. The Netherlands is a tax haven: Shhhh!
Another awkward one: the Netherlands is an internationally renowned tax haven, which is not something that we ought to shout about proudly.
But talk about it? Sure, if it’s ever going to change.
The Netherlands has developed an effective strategy to attract foreign investment: offering multinational companies an enticing package of subsidies and tax breaks if they choose to locate here.
Is this out of grief? Perhaps. But it may also be because there is a dark secret behind the ingredients of the nation’s favourite snack — bitterballen.
We wouldn’t study their content too closely, but we also can’t stop eating them! Image: Depositphotos
Usually eaten alongside a few drinks (so you forget to wonder what you’re eating), Dutch people point-blank refuse to tell you what is in these salty, fried, vaguely meaty snacks. 👀
OK, we admit it. This might be one thing we’re kind of glad that Dutch people don’t talk about. No one REALLY wants to find out and have to say goodbye to these (potentially snail-filled) snacks.
What other things do the Dutch not talk about that you think they should? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
As of March 2025, the Netherlands has been actively trying to attract top scientists from the US, cashing in on the funding losses enacted by the Trump administration.
A primary initiative of the current US administration has been to cut down on “woke spending” in 2026.
What does this plan target? Well, universities and major scientific institutions such as NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) are facing grant and funding cuts totalling billions.
And so the US brain drain begins.
An opportunity for the Netherlands
Europe, however, has seen opportunity in the tragedy. Countries like the Netherlands have launched funds and initiatives to attract the brightest minds who are now leaving the US.
The aptly named Tulip Fund is the latest Dutch attempt to siphon knowledge from the land of the “free.”
Now, as the deadline for nominations approaches (March 2026), Dutch institutions are hoping to appeal to the top intellectuals fleeing Trump’s America.
What is the Tulip Fund?
The Tulip Fund is a government commitment of €50 million to attract researchers and scientists from abroad.
The fund was introduced by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) (in conjunction with the Dutch government) largely in response to the Trump administration’s promises to cut scientific funding.
As the council assumed (correctly, one might add), scientists living and working in the United States would find themselves without work, or at least uncomfortably restricted in their research.
The goal, as stated on the Tulip Fund’s website, is to recruit top researchers “who want to continue their research in the Netherlands due to growing threats to academic freedom.” Pretty important, right?
Of course, the fund will also “boost and reinforce the Netherlands’ position at the forefront of international scientific research.”
After 75% of scientists responding to a 2025 Nature poll said they were considering leaving the US, many European nations adopted this strategy.
How does it work?
Research organisations, such as public and private universities, can nominate up to two candidates for each position offered.
As the March deadline approaches, nominations will be finalised and submitted, though the decision-making process for which researchers are accepted will likely take time.
The assessment committee will have a lot of information to sift through, and whoever they choose must be deemed an asset to Dutch research goals.
Eventually, though, top scientists will be accepted, and research funding will be allocated.
These candidates can then be awarded funding from the NWO of amounts up to €1 million. And, hopefully, the Dutch will be better off for it.
However, not everyone thinks this is the case…
Sounds good, so why is it controversial?
Well, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, everyone, and I mean everyone, should be frustrated that US brain drain is happening at all.
The cuts to scientific and federal funding in the US are unconscionable. They will result in economic, social, and intellectual hindrance to the country for decades to come.
Scientific research into medical realms such as cancer, chronic illness, psychology, and more will unequivocally suffer from the decisions of this administration, says The New York Times.
However, the Dutch scientific community could also face negative impacts.
Some organisations, such as De Jonge Akademie, say this allocation of funding to international scientists is illogical, given the cuts to domestic research funding in the Netherlands.
In other words, why not tend to their own rather than search for intellect elsewhere?
While some may question this move by the Dutch government, one thing is sure: the US will regret this catastrophic loss of brainpower.
What do you think of the Tulip Fund? Let us know in the comments!
Becoming your own boss in the Netherlands comes with a whole host of administrative duties and fiddly financial tasks, the most important of which is choosing a good business bank account. 💰
While freelancing in the Netherlands can be empowering and flexible, the financial side can quickly devolve into a sea of acronyms like KvK, IBAN, and BTW.
Having a business bank account can effectively cut through the confusion by providing you with the tools to stay on top of your finances.
What is a business bank account?
A business bank account is exactly what it says on the tin: a dedicated bank account for freelance/corporate work and business transactions.
These often come with a whole host of helpful features, like invoicing tools, in-depth expense tracking, and integrations for accounting software.
Ready to streamline your company’s finances? Qonto’s handy business bank accounts are designed to take the load off busy entrepreneurs, with seamless invoice management and a range of advanced accounting tools.
Is it mandatory to open a business bank account for freelancers in the Netherlands?
Strictly speaking, there’s no legal requirement from the Dutch tax office to open a business bank account when you become a ZZP’er (freelancer).
This means that, technically, you could use your existing Dutch bank account for all your business’s financial needs.
Using your personal bank account to cover business transactions might seem like a handy decision… until your bank steps in and freezes your account. 😬 Image: Freepik
However, there’s a catch: many Dutch banks state in their terms and conditions that you’re not allowed to use your personal account for business transactions. If they have reason to suspect your financial activity includes sending and receiving freelance payments, they might flag or freeze your account.
This could leave you financially stranded, with no way of receiving funds or paying off your business expenses. 😬
(Plus, good luck working on your tax returns when you’re sorting through a chaotic list of transactions that include: €12 for stroopwafels, €140 for dinner with Lieke and the meisjes, €550 for text edits… etc.)
Pros of opening a business bank account for freelancers in the Netherlands
Tax chaos aside, there are multiple reasons why ZZP’ers in the Netherlands might choose to open a business bank account. 👇
Your invoices are well-managed
With a dedicated business bank account, you won’t be scrambling to separate your invoices from your grocery bills at the end of the month.
Plus, many of these accounts come with invoicing software, which will automatically organise payments and any outstanding orders for you.
You get clear financial overviews
Having a bank account purely for your business transactions means that your company finances are crystal clear, whether you’re sending them off to an accountant or using accounting software to analyse them yourself.
Being able to track your income so easily makes filing your quarterly VAT returns and annual taxes much easier. (And given how complex Dutch taxes can be, that says a lot!)
Honestly, the last thing you’d want to send to your accountant is an overview of how much you’ve spent at borrels over the last month. 🍻🫠 Image: Freepik
Your work and home life stay separate
Mixing your corporate and personal lives can feel a bit like dodging fatbikes at a busy intersection: stressful and potentially messy. 😬
Having a separate account for your business transactions helps create a clean boundary between your two lives, ensuring that your personal spending doesn’t make its way into your company’s budget.
You can expect efficient international transfers
Given that many ZZP’ers and companies in the Netherlands work with foreign clients, a business bank account with quick and easy international transfer capabilities is a must-have.
Some banks even offer multi-currency accounts, which are especially handy if you’ll be regularly transacting with clients in specific countries.
How to open a business bank account in the Netherlands
Right, now it’s down to the nitty-gritty: what documents will you need to open a Dutch business bank account? And how can you check if you’re eligible for one?
We’ve been down that road before, so geen stress (no worries), because the process is simpler than it sounds. 🙌
Step one: Check your eligibility
To be eligible for a business bank account, you’ll need to have a valid Dutch work permit or be registered as a freelancer.
If you’re employed at a Dutch company, they will typically organise your work permit for you. If, on the other hand, you intend to be a ZZP’er, you must register with the KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce).
For the clearest path forward, it’s always best to ensure that you’ve got your documents in order before applying for a business bank account. Image: Freepik
Step two: Check the information required
In the Netherlands, you’ll generally need several documents to open a business bank account. It’s important to ensure that you’ve got them well before you apply for an account.
These documents include:
A KvK number (i.e. registration with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce)
A Dutch BSN (citizen service number)
A Dutch residence permit (if you’re not an EU resident and require a visa)
A VAT (tax) number
Some Dutch banks may also require you to submit a business plan, so it’s always a good idea to have one of these handy!
Step three: Choose a bank
Not all Dutch banks are made equal, so it’s vital to do your research and choose one that’s best for you.
Consider features like monthly fees, transaction costs, international transfer rates, and English-language support when selecting your ideal business bank account.
Given the sea of business bank accounts for internationals in the Netherlands, it can be hard to cut through the noise and choose the one with the best banking features, invoice management, and support. That’s where Qonto shines, offering an excellent business banking experience for as little as €9 per month!
Step four: Apply for your account
The application process will differ from bank to bank, with some requiring in-person visits and others allowing you to apply online.
Most international-friendly banks will offer you an easy sign-up process through their mobile app, which is ideal if you need an account ASAP or can’t make it to a physical branch.
With a variety of options available, choosing the best business bank account as a ZZP’er will depend on your business requirements and individual preferences.
What are some of your best tips for managing finances as a freelancer in the Netherlands? Tell us all about them in the comments below!
Who run the world? As Beyoncé wisely said, girls. But which ones paved the way? The answer many Dutch women will give you is: the Dolle Mina’s.
There’s no denying it, Dutch women are feisty. They’re known for their direct and confident nature, characteristics women are often told not to possess.
And the Dolle Mina’s? They helped pave the way for Dutch women to be unapologetically themselves.
Who are they?
You may have seen evidence of this mighty feminist group before, even without knowing. For instance, if you’ve ever seen this sign:
The gutsy Dutch group was established in 1969 to protest traditional gender roles and the unequal treatment of men and women in professional spaces.
The demands of the Dolle Mina’s were many: access to abortion, equal childcare expectations, support for single mothers, and more.
Their tongue-in-cheek protest nature, which involved burning corsets, body paint, and even public playpens, brought them attention within the Netherlands and beyond.
A Dolle Mina protest held in Amsterdam, 1971. Image: Rob Mieremet/Anefo/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain
For instance, they even garnered recognition in the US with this piece from The New York Times, published in 1970.
Safe to say, the Dolle Mina’s are a squad worth knowing about.
What did they achieve?
Oh, plenty.
The group is credited with motivating women’s helplines, shelters, and support systems, and with increasing women’s studies at universities during this period.
Their innovative protests and specific goals made them a force of nature. From breaking into a gynaecology conference in Utrecht to distributing condoms at Domestic Science Schools, no action was too big or too small.
While the group was a staple of Dutch protest movements and post-war feminism for close to a decade, a loss of momentum led them astray. The Dolle Mina’s were no longer in the limelight.
Despite their impact, the impressive group had all but disappeared by 1980. That is, until this past spring, when everything changed.
Mina’s return
You may be wondering, if this group is from the 1970’s, why am I hearing about it now?
Well, dear reader, the Dolle Mina’s have returned, and they’re bringing their demands into the 21st century.
In early 2025, an Instagram account by the name of “dollemina2025” created its first post:
The image showed one of the original Dolle Mina protests for abortion rights, depicting a young woman with the phrase “Baas in eigen buik” (boss in my own belly) painted on her stomach.
It’s a famous picture — the bare-stomach protests were one of the Dolle Mina’s first widely recognised initiatives.
This post marked the reignition of the Dolle Mina action group in 2025, 55 years after its inception.
Since then, the account has amassed tens of thousands of followers, and similar accounts such as “dolleminaleiden” and “dolleminaamsterdam” have emerged.
These platforms, which function as information sources for members and interested parties, are just a small piece of the action. Protests like the anti-femicide event in Rotterdam last August attracted hundreds of activists.
A young woman holds a ‘baas in eigen buik’ sign at a protest in 2025. Image: Depositphotos
The Dolle Mina’s have returned, and they’re feistier than ever.
Why are they back?
According to the group’s revivalists, which includes both new and original members, there is too much at stake not to react.
Speaking with NOS, Mina member Sia Hermanides says “the fight isn’t over yet,” and that while the original activist group laid vital groundwork, the younger generation’s Dolle Mina’s aren’t quite finished.
While the Netherlands is a highly developed and generally gender-equal country, the last few years have proved that women’s safety and development are at risk (yes, even here).
The list of worries is long. The most recent Dutch government enacted budget cuts and repeals of resources dedicated to gender equality back in 2025. Online misogyny is rampant across the globe. 45% of women and girls surveyed in the Netherlands still report experiences of sexual harassment or physical violence.
The older Dolle Mina issues are still on the docket, too. Abortion, while accessible in the Netherlands, is still officially listed in the criminal code. And with the recent repeal of Roe v. Wade in the US, the Dolle Mina’s are fearful that the legality of abortion could come into question here, too.
Additionally, femicide rates are stagnating instead of decreasing — here, a woman becomes a victim of femicide every 8 days on average.
It’s issues like these, their website indicates, that make independent and self-organising feminist groups essential in a contemporary context.
How has it changed?
The Dolle Mina’s 2.0 are not replicas, however.
Dunya Verwey, one of the original Dolle Minas, says, “Dolle Mina is rejuvenating!” when speaking to EenVandaag.
What does that mean, exactly? More intersectionality and innovation, it seems.
The group today has emphasised new tactics, additional resources, and inclusivity. Issues around LGBTQ+ rights and safety in the Netherlands are being equally elevated, along with discussions of race and wealth disparity.
The organisation is also becoming more determined: Dolle Mina’s meet every Monday of the month, and individual cities are represented by local factions of the overall organisation.
Their online presence is a true asset for the renewed group. The ability to communicate action plans, information, and enthusiasm for the cause helps them stay at the forefront of people’s minds.
In other words, they are dead-set on maintaining their momentum. Clearly, lessons were learned from their foremothers.
How can I support the Dolle Mina’s?
If you’re hoping to get involved or simply learn more, look no further.
The Dolle Mina’s are always looking for new members and supporters, so they’ve made themselves as accessible as possible.
From the general website to the city-based Instagram accounts, there’s no shortage of information about their upcoming agenda.
You’ll find it very easy to see the who, what, and where of their next meeting.
What’s next?
The future of the Dolle Mina’s looks bright. The group is actively growing and gaining national media attention, and has already been credited with sparking political discourse on women’s safety.
Of course, not everything is happy and shiny. Harassment and violence have also been directed at the returning group.
At a “We Claim the Night” protest back in September, women reported being booed, chased, and spat at by (male) anti-protesters. They even threw eggs, according to NOS.
A silver lining to this, however? It shows the Netherlands exactly why the Dolle Mina’s are so vital.
There is immense beauty in a seemingly lost activist group springing back to life in this momentous way. Not only does it emphasise the resilience and necessity of organised action, but it ties generations of Dutch women together like never before.
Women and girls deserve better. That’s exactly why the Dolle Mina’s are here to stay.
What do you think of Dolle Mina’s return? Let us know in the comments!
