While progress towards gender equality has been made, there’s still much work to be done.

Right to Rise is an independent research and consultancy firm specializing in violence against women, with a particular focus on Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. Our academic expertise, international field experience, and open-minded approach enable us to deliver evidence-based solutions. At the heart of our work lies a deep sense of empathy and a strong commitment to justice. We believe that meaningful, sustainable change is possible, so that girls and women everywhere can rise.

Dr. Annemarie Middelburg

Founder of Right to Rise

Annemarie believes that a person’s opportunities in life shouldn’t be determined by their background, circumstances, or gender. After completing her Ph.D. in international human rights law, she traveled the world to understand how real change happens. Her extensive research and fieldwork across Africa, the Middle East and Asia enriched her academic expertise with lived realities on the ground.

She has witnessed how, in recent years, progress on gender equality has been uneven, and in some parts of the world, even reversed. While more girls attend school and more laws protect against gender-based violence, too many women and girls are still denied their basic rights.

Annemarie works with partners such as the United Nations, the European Union, governments, consultancy firms, research institutes, universities, international NGOs, and local organisations - all working towards one shared goal: a world where every women and girl can live free from violence.

Our Services

research

We conduct independent research on violence against women to strenghten evidence-based policies, improve legal protection, and support more effective responses in practice.

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Our Services

EDUCATION

Dr. Annemarie Middelburg is a lecturer at the University of Amsterdam, conveys her knowledge and experience through lectures, tutorials and webinars that inspire open-mindedness and encourage critical thinking.

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Our Services

Program design

We develop program strategies, policies and theories of change to promote gender equality and prevent violence against women and girls. We also conduct baseline studies, mid-term reviews and M&E to measure progress towards outcomes.

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Our Services

public speaking

As a moderator, meeting facilitator, panelllist and speaker, Dr. Annemarie Middelburg participates in national and international conferences, bringing multifaceted perspectives and creates communication bridges that drive collective social change.

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Our Services

expert OPINIONs

We act as an expert witness and prepare thorough reports to support victims seeking asylum based on their fear of persecution on FGM/C-related grounds.

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Our Services

ADVOCACY

We apply creative thinking to develop educational videos, disruptive actions and campaigns to spread our message, raise awareness and inspire action.

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SOME OF OUR PARTNERS AND CLIENTS:

I have known Annemarie for one year and worked closely with her for two weeks during her consultancy visit to Ghana for the Girls Advocacy Alliance (GAA), funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During one of the sessions, a colleague leaned over to me and said: “This woman is a high-flier — and she knows how to pull people along with her.” Every session with Annemarie was remarkable. In one of the project schools, we met a group of girls who shared stories of past abuse. We were all struck by Annemarie’s emotional presence. She showed genuine love and concern for their experiences, and her warmth brought smiles to the faces of the girls.

Anna N. Nabere
Project Manager Girls Advocacy Alliance - Plan International Ghana

Annemarie was the lead author of one of our major publications on FGM, developed under the UNFPA–UNICEF Joint Programme on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation. She went above and beyond to complete the work, consistently met deadlines, and showed a high level of professionalism and dedication throughout. Annemarie listened carefully to feedback and integrated it without hesitation, while also offering her expert opinion when needed. She is a strong communicator with a solid knowledge base on FGM and a remarkable work ethic. It was a pleasure working with her.

Meike Madeleine Keldenich
Technical Specialist FGM - UNFPA West and Central Africa Regional Office (WCARO)

I attended the course Public International Law at the University of Amsterdam. From the very first tutorial, I was struck by Annemarie’s expertise, passion, and in-depth knowledge. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she truly inspired me to pursue an LL.M. in Public International Law. Even though I’m no longer enrolled in one of her courses, I continue to see Annemarie as a mentor. The warm connections she builds with students and colleagues don’t fade with time – they grow.

Nikita Sinha
Student - University of Amsterdam