Amber Beijer, a 23-year-old CDA councilor in De Ronde Venen, has publicly addressed the persistent sexism she faces in Dutch politics. She posted a video on social media highlighting the inappropriate remarks and gender bias she routinely encounters, sparking a wave of reactions, both supportive and critical.

Beijer, who has been active in politics since age 19, is often subjected to sexist comments that undermine her work and question her capabilities. One particularly egregious incident involved a fellow council member suggesting she would be better suited for a campaign poster in a bikini than with a professional portrait.

She is frustrated by the notion that female politicians are merely for show and that dismissing such remarks as the product of older men’s lack of tact is unacceptable. Beijer hopes her video will challenge these norms and encourage a more respectful environment.

While direct confrontation is ideal, Beijer notes that young women are often labeled as oversensitive or hysterical. She believes that colleagues of the same gender and age addressing such behavior would be more effective.

She also observes that older men are often taken more seriously than younger women, even when the woman is responsible for specific portfolios. Council members from other groups will often contact her male colleagues instead of her, despite her being in charge.

Beijer also recounts receiving unsolicited advice from a female colleague to downplay her appearance, fearing that being well-groomed would reinforce negative stereotypes. She is aware that there is a difficult balance: looking unkempt can lead to being dismissed as a “slob,” while being well-dressed can result in being labeled a “fashion doll.”

Beijer has even removed a bikini photo from her Instagram account after the aforementioned comment from her colleague. While she recognizes that some photos may be inappropriate, she also questions why young female politicians should have to drastically alter their online presence.