Presentation of the 2026 Aletta Jacobs Prize to Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan

Presentation of the 2026 Aletta Jacobs Prize to Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan

Please to see this video

Jury Report Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan

This year, the jury of the Aletta Jacobs Prize nominated Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan with great conviction, in recognition of her inspiring commitment to providing women within the defence sector and in peace processes with space and security, so that things can be right and equality can be achieved.

Read the complete report of the jury

Opening remarks Jacquelien Scherpen

Today, on behalf of the University of Groningen, I am presenting an award to a woman who has meant – and continues to mean – a great deal to the emancipation of women and girls. We are presenting this award not only to honour her, but also because her work inspires us and her example helps us to move forward.

Read the complete opening speech of Jacquelien Scherpen

Lecture Janka Stoker: Role models against their will?

What a special and honourable occasion it is to be standing here today! I have been chair of the jury for the Aletta Jacobs Prize for almost 15 years, so the prize is very close to my heart. And what a wonderful winner we have this year. Elanor and the University of Groningen, both of you, congratulations!

Read the complete lecture of Janka Stoker

Speech of thanks of Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan

Thank you all. Thank you for this special prize. And thank you for the wonderful citation that accompanies it. Your words move me deeply. And they strengthen my conviction that this prize is a mission. That is why I dedicate this prize to something that touches me deeply: the freedom and safety of women in the Netherlands.

Read the full speech of thanks of Elanor Boekholt-O'Sullivan

At the University Museum: Laureate Elanor Boekholt-O’Sullivan and Rector Jacquelien Scherpen

The rector, Jacquelien Scherpen, gives the opening address

Judith Tielen, State Secretary for Education and Emancipation

Janka Stoker, Professor of Leadership and Organisational Change at the University of Groningen, gives a lecture entitled: ‘A role model against one’s will? On the discomfort and the necessity of visibility’.

Marieke Liem, Professor of Safety and Interventions at Leiden University and founder of the Dutch Femicide Monitor, gives a lecture entitled: ‘More than just bruises’.