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Last week, the Netherlands announced a proposed coalition agreement between three political parties — D66, VVD and CDA — who are negotiating to form the next government. Coalition agreements in the Netherlands set out the new government’s policy priorities for the coming years, so this document provides a roadmap for areas such as sexual and reproductive health, women’s rights, education and research.
Rutgers welcomes the coalition’s commitments to strengthen sexual and reproductive health, combat online disinformation and support evidence-based policy-making. We are also encouraged that the coalition has decided to reverse some of the previous government’s planned cuts to education, research and scientific innovation — a crucial step to safeguard the knowledge that underpins effective policies for sexual and reproductive health worldwide.
Preventing sexual violence
The agreement addresses the prevention of sexual violence, femicide and violence against women. We welcome plans to establish a National Action Plan to Stop Violence Against Women and to continue combating online sexual violence. However, it is not yet clear whether all elements of the previous National Action Plan on sexual and gender-based violence will be fully implemented, including long-term prevention measures. Structural investment in prevention is essential to ensure these efforts have a lasting impact.
Global sexual and reproductive health and human rights
Previous budget cuts in Dutch international development significantly reduced support for sexual and reproductive health and human rights worldwide. The coalition’s reversal of some of these cuts is a positive step, but it remains to be seen how much funding will be dedicated specifically to women’s rights and global health. In a world where sexual and reproductive rights are increasingly challenged, it is vital that the Netherlands continues to champion these rights internationally.
Health policy based on evidence
The coalition has committed to building on the National Strategy for Women’s Health, recognising the importance of evidence, independent research institutions and reliable information. This focus is essential in an era of online mis- and disinformation around hormones, contraception, fertility and reproductive health. The coalition’s plan to strengthen European cooperation to remove disinformation is a welcome signal. Rutgers looks forward to contributing expertise and evidence to support this work.
What’s still missing
Despite these positive steps, key issues remain under-addressed. Improved access to safe abortion care, including removing abortion from the criminal code and comprehensive, age-appropriate education on relationships, sexuality and resilience are not yet highlighted. A government committed to preventing sexual violence must also prioritise education and prevention from an early age, supported by structural funding.
Rutgers welcomes the coalition’s steps to reverse harmful budget cuts, combat disinformation and strengthen evidence-based policy. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that ensure all children, young people and adults, regardless of age, gender, or background, can grow up healthy, safe and free.