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Why female CEOs in the Netherlands are changing their names to Peter

Female CEOS in The Netherlands are changing their names to Peter

Female CEOS in The Netherlands are changing their names to Peter

There are more CEOS in The Netherlands with the first name Peter than there are female CEOs, campaigners have revealed.

Earlier this year, two groups, WOMAN INC and BrandedU (gender equality interest groups), requested women in the Netherlands change their names to Peter on LinkedIn to make a point about the lack of female representation.

This campaign aimed to emphasize the gender difference between women and men in high-profile roles.

READ MORE: THIS IS WHY WOMEN ARE STILL PAID 83 CENTS FOR EVERY DOLLAR MEN EARN IN THE US

Shocking figures show women only make up 4.82 percent of CEOs in the European country.

And an alarming statistic shows that a higher percentage of CEOs are named Peter.

Many high profile female Dutch CEOs are taking part, and the politician Sylvana Simons and Yeliz Çiçek, editor of Vogue Netherlands.

Linda de Graaff, managing director and co-founder of The Family Amsterdam, said:

‘We work hard for our clients, but we also keep our eyes and ears open for campaigns that can make a difference. When we read an article that said there were more Dutch CEOs named Peter than CEOs who are women, we immediately knew that we had to do something to help.

"From there, the idea of asking as many women as possible to temporarily change their name to Peter on LinkedIn, in order to draw attention to this issue – after all, if your name is Peter, you have a better chance of becoming a CEO.”

Image credit: The Family Amsterdam
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