NBCC International Women's Day Event 2026
Tuesday 17 March 2026, 12:00-14:00 CET, AkzoNobel, Amsterdam
What an inspiring, empowering, and unforgettable celebration we shared today at NBCC International Women’s Day 2026! Guided by our theme, “Give to Gain,” we came together not only to recognise the progress made toward gender equality but also to explore how giving our time, insights, and support can drive meaningful change and create a more inclusive and equitable future.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to HMA Chris Rampling, British Ambassador to the Netherlands, for sharing and inspiring everyone to reflect on how giving our time, knowledge, and support can create real progress toward gender equality for economic growth.
A special thank you to our NBCC DEI Chair Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen, Former Chair of SER Topvrouwen & Non-Executive Director at Siemens and MN, for her thought-provoking insights on advancing gender equality. As she shared: “Equality is not given, it’s practised. Speak up, open doors, share credit, and stand beside women. When action replaces applause, a more respectful and more wonderful world is built.”, a powerful reminder that meaningful contributions today help create opportunities and progress for the future.
We would like to thank Karel van Oosterom, Former DG and Ambassador to the UN in New York and to the UK, and author of “With an Orange Tie: A Year on the Security Council”, for sharing his reflections on the importance of inclusion and diversity of thought in the workplace.
Karel presented his book in English:
We would also like to thank our incredible panelists for generously sharing their perspectives on advancing gender equality, the actionable steps we can take, and the best practices that show how giving our expertise and efforts leads to meaningful progress for all.
- Fleurine Mijinke, Partner at Deloitte
- Natalie Oetama, Head of Global Business Services (GBS) at AkzoNobel
- Annick Boyen, Vice President Communications and Corporate Affairs Global Markets at Unilever
- Joanna Polak-Goodman, Founder at ImageTalks
Special mention to:
Ana Puga Nicolau, Global Head of Learning and Development, AkzoNobel, our brilliant moderator.
Now, let’s turn inspiration into action:
- NBCC Woman of the Year Award: Nominate a changemaker!
- NBCC Mentoring Programme – Support & uplift future leaders in professional and personal development.
- Join us! – Be part of a network that drives real change.
A heartfelt thank you to AkzoNobel for hosting this energizing event and to our valued partners Diageo, BAM UK & Ireland and Unilever for their continued commitment to gender equality.
History remembers those who take action. Let’s be the generation that doesn’t wait 130 years—but makes equality a reality now.
Let’s continue to give to gain and turn today’s inspiration into meaningful action!