I was CIR and a member of the National Board of the Netherlands Association of Women Graduates (VVAO) from 1992-1998 after which I served as a member for one term on the Finance Committee of IFUW.  I am a member of the Finance Committee of the Virginia Gildersleeve International Fund VG). 

In 2001, I was elected Treasurer for IFUW.  As Treasurer I have been very much involved in the restructuring of the office and the financial situation of IFUW.  Without a good working office and a sound financial base no organisation can operate properly.

As a member of the Board of Officers I have been working these past 6 years together with the other members of the Board to further IFUW goals.  Although in later years not active in attending the Status of Women Committee of the UN for IFUW, I do have a good knowledge of the UN and experience.  I attended the preparatory meeting (1994) of the ECE in Vienna for the UN Beijing Fourth World Women's Conference (1995) as well as attending the conference.  I also attended the preparatory meeting for the Beijing + 5 in Geneva in 2000 and the Special Session at the UN in New York that same year.

With my experience in governance both at local, national and international level within the VVAO and IFUW, and my professional corporate background I, as a member of the Next Generation, believe I am very well qualified to become the next President of IFUW.

My goals as President of IFUW are:

- strengthen IFUW from within by encouraging and facilitating NFAs to further develop their   association/federation.

- encourage the development of new membership categories

- encourage the expansion of IFUW networks

- continue the enhancement of communication on UN & other activities

- more recognition, cooperation within the regions of IFUW

- more cooperation with like minded NGOs and other organisations

- further development of the work started on resource development for additional funding

- and last, but not least, continue the work of the current Board and our new Secretary General on running an efficient, cost effective and functional IFUW office.

As President of IFUW and actively representing IFUW at national and international level I can believe I can strengthen the role and image of IFUW so that IFUW will have a solid base to continue her work way into the 21st century.