BIJ1 is a political party that stands for a Dutch society with equal rights and equal opportunities for everyone. A society in which everyone can be themselves and our differences are not judged, but appreciated. Bij1 arose from a shared desire for connection, solidarity, justice and equality. With respect for our differences, but with a focus on what connects us.

Amsterdam city council

Sylvana Simons (50), party leader of the left-wing radical emancipation party Bij1, is conducting an intensive campaign to get into the Lower House. She became politically involved with the aim of using her platform and experience for a society that works for everyone: a society in which equality, justice and solidarity are central. That is why she founded the BIJ2016 party in 1. Two years later she became the party's first representative in the Amsterdam city council, where she put subjects such as racism and inequality on the agenda. She was successful with her passed motion to allow municipal officials to follow privilege training courses to combat discrimination in the workplace, which has now been translated into policy. The climate crisis was also declared on the initiative of Amsterdam BIJ1, and Sylvana played a major role in the adopted proposal to apologize for the slavery past.

Ribbius Peletier medal

This year, the Ribbius Peletier medal goes to Sylvana Simons for her efforts in North Holland politics. The award bears the name of the first female administrator in North Holland. The Provincial Council of Noord-Holland awards the medal every year to a woman who makes herself useful for the position of women in politics. They have been doing this since the 100th anniversary of women's suffrage in 2019.

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