Ode to Eveline de Vletter | We are capable of so much more than we realize

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Eveline is a powerful woman who, through her personal journey, has not only learned a lot about perseverance and independence, but also about the important role that female solidarity plays in overcoming life's challenges. As a television program developer, mother of two, and proud Amsterdammer, she shares her experiences that have not only shaped her own life, but can also inspire other women in their search for strength, self-confidence and the courage to follow their own path.

The heart of Amsterdam

Amsterdam has a special place in Eveline's heart. She has lived in the city for a long time and feels a strong connection with the urban culture and diversity. “I am almost devoted to Amsterdam,” she says. Eveline grew up in a small village not far from the city, where there was little to do, but the proximity of Amsterdam meant that she could often be found in the city from a young age. Her sisters lived in Amsterdam, and she spent a lot of time there as a result. Since then, she has never wanted to leave the city. “I really love the diversity of the city, the liveliness, the scents, the colors. It's just a city that's always on the move,” she says enthusiastically. This constant movement, the energy that Amsterdam radiates, makes Eveline feel connected to the city. For her, Amsterdam is the embodiment of change and progress.

According to Eveline, the city is also historically a place that embraces diversity. “Amsterdam is made up of so many different types of people and cultures,” she says. “That makes it interesting, it keeps your eyes open and makes your life more colorful.” She also points out that the food in Amsterdam reflects this diversity. “You have so many different types of cuisines and flavors here. It's a paradise for foodies,” she adds with a laugh. This dynamic and the opportunity to always meet new people and ideas is one of the reasons why Eveline feels so connected to the city.

One of the biggest challenges in Eveline's life was her divorce in 2015. It was a decision that turned her world upside down. “It was a monstrous decision to make,” she says candidly. “The children were still young and it felt like the world was collapsing.” The divorce was not only emotionally difficult, but it also brought with it practical challenges. Eveline had to rebuild her life, which was not easy, especially with two young children and a demanding career.

“The first few years after the divorce were very difficult,” says Eveline. ”It felt like I was constantly surviving, not really living. There were so many obstacles: financial, emotional and physical.” She tells of how she suffered a serious foot injury that further complicated her life. She broke her ankle awkwardly during a bike ride in the city and had to undergo multiple surgeries. “I was literally building my life, but every time I thought I had it together, I was knocked off balance again,” she says.

Yet Eveline did not give up. ‘It taught me a lot about perseverance. You have to keep going, even when everything goes against you,’ she says with determination. Eveline has not only come a long way physically, but also mentally. She has learned that it is important to take responsibility for her life and her future. “I have had to fight a lot, but it has made me stronger,” she says.

What has helped her most in this time of uncertainty was the support of her friends and her 'modern family'. “I have a group of friends who are like family to me. They have always been there for me, and that has helped me persevere,” she says with a smile. Eveline discovered that her strength did not only come from within, but also from the support of the people around her. This realization made her stronger, and it gave her the confidence to continue building her new life.

During her trip, Eveline gained an important insight: society often expects women to always need a partner to be complete. “When I was alone after my divorce, many people assumed that I would end up getting back together with someone,” she says. “That was the norm I was always subjected to. I was not only seen as a woman rebuilding her life, but also as someone who was 'accidentally' alone.”

Eveline has always felt that the idea that a woman is not complete without a partner is a compelling one. “I always felt the pressure to be with someone else as soon as possible,” she explains. But over time she realized that this was not necessarily what she wanted. “I realized that I can be very happy on my own. I have two children that I am raising partly on my own, and that is something I am proud of,” she says. Eveline emphasizes that living alone, without the constant pressure of a partner, can be a fulfilling and powerful path. “It's not pathetic to be alone,” she says firmly. “I have friends, a ‘modern family’ and a network of women who support me. That makes my life worthwhile.”
 

Eveline feels it is important to spread this message because she feels that society often looks at women who do not fit into traditional relationship patterns in a different light. “I want to show others that you do not have to be dependent on a partner to be happy. You can lead a full, fulfilling life, even if you are alone.”

The power of women among themselves
 

Eveline believes that female solidarity is essential for overcoming life's challenges. She believes that women should help and support each other, especially in times of struggle. “We have to show each other that we can do much more than we think,” she says. “If you are rejected time and again or if you are thwarted, keep going. Keep fighting, because you have much more in you than you think.”

As a program developer, Eveline tries to actively involve women in the production of television programs and documentaries. “If I can steer who is on a team or who could direct a documentary, I will always suggest women,” she says. She strongly believes in the power of women in the media and the importance of female perspectives in the stories that are told. “It is important that we as women take a step forward together,” she says. “Don't let yourself be knocked down. Keep believing in yourself, even when everything goes against you.”

Eveline has always had women in her life who inspired her. One of her greatest influences was a friend of her mother's who was a single mother raising her daughter. “I saw how strong and powerful she was,” says Eveline. “Not only did she have to take care of her daughter, but she also worked hard to keep things running. She was a true example of strength and independence to me.” The mother of a good friend who raised her children alone while continuing to build her career was another role model. ‘I never looked at these women as if they were ’sad'. On the contrary, I saw how they had fun with their friends, how they supported each other. It was this strength and cheerfulness that inspired me,” she says.

The importance of perseverance

Through her own experiences, Eveline has learned that it is important to believe in yourself, even if the outside world sometimes tells you that you are not good enough or that you should give up. ”In my career and in my life, I have often had to deal with prejudice or obstacles that others did not have. But that doesn't mean you should give up,” she says. She encourages other women to persevere, even when the road seems difficult.
 

“I want women to understand that we have so much strength within us. We just have to learn how to use that strength. We can do much more than we think,” she says. And this is exactly what Eveline has proven: by working hard, persevering and relying on her own strength, she has rebuilt her life and is stronger than ever.