Step Up
Research shows that both the economy and society benefit from gender diversity. In practice, however, the workplace in Dutch businesses lags in this area. Talent is underutilised, and much potential is lost. The Step Up programme contributes to gender diversity by empowering every ambitious woman in the Twente region, building a strong community where they can connect with each other, and raising awareness on this topic within Twente’s business community.
Step Up
The goal is to activate untapped talent and potential among women. Step Up aims to strengthen women’s societal position and create greater workplace diversity, which can positively impact innovation, decision-making, and business outcomes.
Step Up Event
Step Up is an initiative by Future of Twente and Twentse VOS. When the two groups first met two years ago, there was an instant connection. Twentse VOS was deeply aligned with Future of Twente’s goal of promoting the attraction and retention of female talent in the Twente region. “The question arose: how can we work together? We soon came up with the idea of a mentorship programme where mentors and mentees can support and learn from each other,” explains Suzan Veldhuis, a member of Twentse VOS. “Twentse VOS organises a large event every two years, so we decided to co-host this time with Future of Twente.” This became the Step Up Event, held in April 2022 at the Grolsch Veste, featuring various workshops on personal growth and ample networking opportunities. With over 150 attendees, the first edition of the Step Up Event was a resounding success. “The event clearly met a need,” says Future of Twente member Irene Meekes. “We had women of all backgrounds—young, old, employed, unemployed, highly and less educated—a true cross-section of society. But they all shared one thing: the ambition to grow.”
Mentorship Programme
The mentorship programme, initially seen as a way to combine efforts, was launched at the event and hit the mark. It started with twelve pairs, each following a unique path blending professional and personal connections. “This created openness and connection,” says Paulien Brama from Future of Twente. “With fantastic results. For instance, one mentor accompanied her mentee to meetings with their manager, while another helped her mentee start a business. The six-month mentorship ended, but the group is determined to keep in touch.”
Growth and Professionalisation
Together, they decided to take the initiative further, but balancing this alongside busy jobs, families, and social lives proved challenging. “We spent many Saturday afternoons and Sunday evenings working together,” says Inge Reijmer of Twentse VOS. “We concluded that to make it truly impactful, we needed more time and structure. But how? We spoke with business owners and discovered that many are interested in addressing gender diversity but don’t know where to start. This reinforced our resolve to grow and professionalise.”
Connecting and Sustaining
Ultimately, they reached out to Twente Board. Their project proposal aligned well with the pillars of Lifelong Development and Diversity & Inclusion from the Agenda for Twente. The project plan, combined with letters of intent from around 50 Twente entrepreneurs, was approved. The accompanying grant will be used to set up a project organisation, including hiring a project leader. “It’s great to have someone who can dedicate their time fully to the project. With this expansion, we also hope to diversify ourselves,” says Suzan. “With Step Up, we want to continue connecting women, providing ongoing support, and developing more resources to build a thriving community.”
Contribution to Gross Twente Happiness
Income
A cultural shift is needed in both companies and among women themselves. This project helps to bridge the wage gap between men and women. Statistics show that many women are interested in advancing but often hesitate to express this or prefer not to in their current job. Higher income translates to greater independence and economic prosperity.
Job Security
Step Up also addresses career advancement and job-seeking. By networking and speaking with others, participants’ chances of finding a fulfilling, suitable job increase.
Personal Development
Step Up is entirely focused on personal development, from workshops at the event to the mentorship programme and company visits. We encourage women to actively think about their future and career, and to take steps toward it.
Health
Our programme is not focused on physical lifestyle but rather on mental well-being, which is equally important. Those who are mentally healthy perform better at work and in their personal lives. In this regard, we align perfectly with Gross Twente Happiness.
Work-Life Balance
This is a key topic during both the event and the mentorship programme. For many women, finding and maintaining this balance can be challenging. Making good choices often means exchanging ideas with as many others as possible, as everyone has something to offer.
Social Connections
We also contribute to this dimension by building our community and expanding networks.
Subjective Well-being
See response under the health dimension.
Funding
Agenda voor Twente
Why Did Twente Board Choose This Project?
Happy people perform better at work and in social settings. In Twente, we are working together to increase Gross Twente Happiness. To achieve this, it’s important not only to have enough jobs, talent, technology, and innovation in the region but also to foster a positive company culture. Therefore, Twente Board chose to invest in Step Up. It’s a unique decision because most Twente Board projects focus on attracting and retaining talent, technology, and innovation, while Step Up focuses on behaviour, awareness, and culture.
Step Up prioritises inclusion. Research consistently shows that mixed-gender teams, including people from diverse nationalities, perform better than homogenous teams.
Step Up starts with the theme of gender diversity. Many women still experience a glass ceiling that is hard to break. By empowering, encouraging, and coaching women, Step Up aims to enable more women to pursue top positions and create space within companies for these opportunities.
Even creating more awareness in this area will positively impact company culture. This project aligns seamlessly with the Agenda for Twente (see page 8: https://twente.com/Files/Images/Mini-websites/Twente-Board/investeren/Agenda_voor_Twente_2023-2027_Investeringsagenda.pdf)
Want to know more?
Contact the initiators:
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