The Art of Living Together - Womanhood as a way of being in our multicultural society

Overview

Panel – The Art of Living Together

8 march 2026 | Amsterdam

On March 8, on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Stichting IDEIS and Stichting Camellia organized an inspiring and thought-provoking program in Amsterdam.

At Partycentrum & Traiteur Noord, approximately 260 guests gathered to explore what it means today to shape womanhood in a pluralistic, multicultural society.

At the heart of the event was the question:

How do we – through trial and error – build a society in which everyone can flourish, with recognition of each person’s unique identity?

After a brief introduction to the concept of binary complementarity, the panelists shared their insights from both their personal experiences and professional backgrounds. Together with the audience, they explored the many ways in which womanhood can be experienced and how people shape their identities while living together with others.

Panel & Perspectives

Ina ter Avest – Em. Lector Education and/in Worldview Studies

As moderator, Ina ter Avest gave direction and depth to the program. Drawing on her many years of experience in education, worldview studies and coaching, she brought a keen eye for the relationship between identity, dialogue and societal context. Ter Avest has been deeply involved in the development of educational materials for non-formal mosque education, in which religious development, citizenship education and the prevention of radicalisation are connected. With her background in religious pedagogy, her research on the development of the concept of God in children in a multi-religious context, and her expertise in dialogical self theory and transactional analysis, she guided the conversation in a way that allowed space for nuance, reciprocity and reflection. Her presence created an open and safe atmosphere in which different voices could be heard.

Ciel Stevens Meevis – Womanhood, Power and Complementarity (Politics)

Drawing from her political experience, she spoke about the limited visibility of womanhood in formal documents and research, particularly in areas such as healthcare and education. She advocated for the empowerment of women so that they can claim their place within institutions, culture, and history.

Emine Bala – Womanhood as a Learning Process and Transmitted Practice (Education)

From her work in education, she illustrated how ideas about womanhood and manhood are taught, questioned, and reshaped in everyday practice. Education can be a place where identity is not imposed but emerges in relation to others.

Sara Kaya – Womanhood between Tradition, Spirituality and Relationality (Theology)

From a theological perspective, she explored how womanhood takes shape within religious traditions and contemporary contexts. She shared insights on female leadership, ethics, and coexistence in a diverse society.

Nilgün Yerli – Multiple Images of Womanhood (Theatre & Arts)

From her artistic practice, she demonstrated how art can challenge dominant images of womanhood and open space for multiple, complementary identities.

The event created space for dialogue, reflection, and encounter. Together, participants explored how differences are not only challenges but can also become a source of mutual enrichment.