Debby Grijters' Hague passport
- Worldwide involvement
- August 18, 2026
- 3 min read
Debby Grijters is Director of Finance and HR at the Mukwege Foundation, an organization dedicated to combating sexual violence in war zones and conflict areas. For Debby, this work aligns with her background in The Hague. She studied at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, grew up in The Hague and Zoetermeer, and now lives in Scheveningen, where her father's side of the family also comes from.
After her studies, Debby worked in Italy for seven years. There, she realized how important it was to her that her work also contributed to the lives of others. Back in the Netherlands, she consciously chose the non-profit sector. Initially, she worked on water and sanitation projects, but later she wanted to get closer to human rights and women's rights.
Working from The Hague on global impact
In 2017, she joined the Mukwege Foundation, when the organization consisted of just three people. Since then, the foundation has grown significantly, and the team works from The Hague and various countries on the same mission: care, recognition, and justice for survivors of sexual violence.
Care that goes beyond recovery
The work of the Mukwege Foundation is inspired by Dr. Mukwege's care model in Congo. That model looks not only at medical aid, but also at psychological support, socio-economic support, and legal assistance.
'Healing the body alone is not enough,' says Debby. 'With the right care, people are truly able to participate in life again.'
Debby saw this work up close when she lived in Bukavu, Congo, for two years and was able to help strengthen an organization of 650 people there. She worked on financial stability and fundraising in an area where safety was never a given. An experience that made her feel even more strongly how important this work is.
A Hague perspective on awareness
According to Debby, the fact that the Mukwege Foundation is based in The Hague fits the city well. The Hague is the city of peace and justice, but also a place where international organizations can find and strengthen each other.
Debby herself appreciates The Hague for the international atmosphere, the tranquility, and the beach. 'It does have a certain stateliness,' she says. From her house in Old Scheveningen, she is on the beach within a minute.
If Debby were to put a label on her contribution, it would say 'awareness'. Because this subject still remains invisible too often.
Her message to residents of The Hague who want to make a difference in the world is short and powerful: 'Just do it.' Whether you donate, volunteer, or help in another way, according to Debby, involvement doesn't have to be complicated.