In our office, the women are still expected to clean up the coffee cups and do the washing, etc - like in 1950's America! Quite frankly I find this unbelievable. Yet the Dutch women seem to LOVE playing mommy, babysitter and maid to the Dutch boys (some of whom are 40 or 50 yrs old). Imagine if these females actually were given projects and targets and real strategic responsibilities, and imagine if the little Dutch Executive 'boys' washed their own coffee cups, remembered their office keys and made their own sandwiches - imagine!

By Bill | September 8, 2011 11:12 AM

Bill, you totally rock. I have worked in both kinds of offices, although the one in which I was expected to take care of the "boys" was 30 years ago. Looks like NL need to at least get up to the mid 1980's. That being said, women here in the US still get paid less and promoted less than men. So, no perfection here either. Maybe some day.

By The Cat Lady | September 8, 2011 4:08 PM

There is a delightful working atmosphere when women and men work together. When we show respect not only in word but in action - Cleaning up should be everyone’s responsibility.
When my sister first started to work, it was in an all male dominated industry - she told me that one evening she was working late. On hearing someone in the cafeteria, a small room for all the then ten employees, she went to see who it was. She was surprised to find the CEO down on his hands and knees cleaning up a spot on the floor.
She said to him - 'you shouldn't be doing that' - he replied 'why not'.

By Steve MacDowall - Moncton NB Canada | September 8, 2011 7:11 PM

Cat lady - thanks, your comment made my day better! sometimes i feel pretty alienated in my progressive views on things, but not today ;) and I always wash my own dishes.

By Bill | September 9, 2011 8:52 AM

Cat lady - thanks, your comment made my day better! sometimes i feel pretty alienated in my progressive views on things, but not today ;) and I always wash my own dishes.

By Bill | September 9, 2011 8:52 AM

I had a pleasure to talk to a very successful and gentleman Dutch vice president of a company.

A gal who was around mentioned something similar about this article (why women are not so much on top of the gentleman's organization).

He said something funny, "It is a little difficult in the Netherlands to get qualified guys to the posts we are looking for."

So ladies, decode his message.

By david | September 9, 2011 9:45 AM