Arine Huijboom

Netwerkpro Foundation was established in 2015 and operates nationally across 8 municipalities, including Amsterdam and the Haarlem/The Hague region, as well as internationally in six EU projects (COO 4/ BEN 2). Our primary objective is to pave the way towards an autonomous future for (young) women. Our projects are meticulously crafted to empower and train (migrant) women who are distanced from the labor market, guiding them towards (financial) self-reliance and facilitating their integration into society. Since our inception in 2015, we have successfully guided over 2100 women towards active participation and/or employment. At Netwerkpro, our mission is to empower (migrant) women through innovative methodologies, thus fostering social cohesion and sustainable integration. We offer comprehensive training programs rooted in empowerment training, pairing participants with personal mentors, and providing real-world work experience through internships—with the prospect of securing a paid job or pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. These programs typically span 4-6 months and are modular, meaning we tailor the curriculum to suit the specific needs of each group. Our empowerment training begins by focusing on soft skills, goals, and personal qualities, evolving into professional skills training as the program progresses. The training is conducted in group settings, fostering a supportive environment where women from diverse cultural backgrounds form peer groups. These groups provide a safe space where participants motivate and uplift each other, often forming lasting friendships. Many former participants become Netwerkpro ambassadors, coordinating groups, serving as role models, or offering personal mentorship. Additionally, we engage personal (voluntary) mentors from our extensive women's network—seasoned professionals from various industries who guide and support participants, sharing their expertise and expanding their networks. We collaborate closely with local employers to design tailored trajectories that equip women with specific professional skills during the final phase of the program. Employers benefit from a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Our partner employers operate in sectors with ample opportunities and a constant demand for new talent, such as health and childcare, retail, and the service industry.