Former Deputy Prime Minister Karien van Gennip is one of the most important female leaders in the Netherlands. In an interview with Katherine Kucherenko during the APG Talks event, she shares her vision on diversity and inclusion in and outside the business world. “In the beginning, I dressed and acted like a man because I thought it would give me the same career path.”
The Netherlands is often seen as a beacon of equality and opportunity. But is that the case, Katherine wonders. “After all, women receive 10 to 15 percent less salary for the same work. The gap is even bigger at financial institutions: according to CBS, women in this sector earn 24 percent less. So how equal is the Netherlands?”
Van Gennip nods in agreement. “You are right, but if you look at the social values in society, you see that women in the Netherlands have a better position compared to women in other countries. But in business the difference is still big.” Van Gennip is not only referring to the wage gap, but also to the pension gap and career prospects. “What you see is that leaders often attract someone who looks like themselves, but who is five years younger. But we won't get there that way.”
The mini-me version
She also draws on her own experience. “In the beginning, I dressed and acted like a man because I thought it would give me the same career path. But after a few years you discover that it doesn't work that way. Leaders especially attract the mini-me version of themselves, because they recognize themselves in it. That's why we really have to get rid of it. And the recruitment and promotion process must be more transparent.”
According to Van Gennip, organizations should aim for justice instead of equality. “Justice is that you actively recruit people who need an opportunity. With equality you give everyone a chance, and then men have more chances than women.”