Marguerite Soeteman ambassador Female Empowerment Network

November 29, 2021

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen (right), together with Maria van der Hoeven, also ambassador, and Fahima Elmi, UWC Maastricht alumna

UWC Maastricht is very honored to welcome Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen, chairman of SER Top Women, as ambassador of the Female Empowerment Network! Together with women in key positions, she will work to provide quality education for girls from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). With her role in the network, she gives young world citizens, potential leaders of the future, an important boost.

It is the ambition of UWC Maastricht to annually select at least five talented and motivated girls from the MENA region. A region where the education system has been disrupted by conflict, economic and political unrest and where there is a need for new and diverse leadership. Within the educational context of UWC, social involvement, personal leadership and intercultural and mutual understanding are central. By obtaining knowledge and skills these girls will eventually make an important contribution to their community and/or country. Moreover, research shows that girls who have received a good education help their country’s economy and prosperity. There are also fewer teenage pregnancies and maternal deaths among them and many cases of sexual exploitation can be prevented.

Marguerite Soeteman-Reijnen is a Dutch businesswoman, commissioner and supervisor. As a champion of diversity, equality and inclusion, she has been associated with UWC for many years. She is thrilled to be able to contribute to the growth and development of these girls in her new role:

“You can be what you can see! Empowering girls and creating role models in the Middle East and Africa – regions where women often are being faced with constraints-  is key to enable any girl to pursue her dreams too. UWC Maastricht tangibly supports this mission and so do I!”

In turn the girls will act as role models to inspire others to realize their ambitions and dreams. Exactly the snowball effect that UWC has in mind with its education!

 

Become a member too!

Do you also want to fight for education for girls from MENA countries? Then be sure to let us know! Here you can read more about our Female Empowerment network. And you can always send an email to advancement@uwcmaastricht.nl and we will contact you as soon as possible!