Overview

• The University of Groningen announced the biennial award on September 30, recognizing the first woman to attain the rank of lieutenant general in the Dutch armed forces.
• The prize ceremony is scheduled for Friday, March 6, 2026.
• The jury praised her work to tackle the “still woman-unfriendly sides” of Defence and to foster a more equitable culture in the armed forces.
• Concrete reforms credited to her include procuring female‑friendly ballistic vests and adding a dress option to official uniforms.
• She has advocated for equality across European armed forces, including a video message to the European Parliament’s women’s rights committee, and she plans to use the prize spotlight to support the ‘Wij eisen de nacht op’ women’s safety campaign.