Juanita Devis Attends Women on Food Gathering in Amsterdam

The first Women on Food gathering took place in Amsterdam, bringing together over 100 women to discuss the future of food, sustainability, and inclusion. The event featured rich conversations on topics ranging from food justice to storytelling and culinary heritage.

One of the key discussions centered on the “Decolonization of the Food System,” where participants, including cookbook authors, researchers, and storytellers such as Aretha Waal, Ayra “Kippy” Kip, and Lelani Lewis, explored how colonial histories continue to shape today’s food culture. They reflected on how global trade, slavery, and migration influenced iconic dishes, like bitterballen, stoofpotjes, and stroopwafels, and the need to recognize the diverse cultural contributions behind them.

This initiative, led by Wethouder Zita Pels, chef Nadia Zerouali, and Eveline van Leeuwen, aims to elevate the voices of women—particularly from underrepresented communities—in shaping food policy and systems.

Juanita Devis, on behalf of AMS, a partner in the EU4Advice project, attended the event.