In the series ‘Conversations on Social Safety’, Annemieke ter Steege, occupational social worker, and Kim Daamen, student wellbeing coordinator, share insights into their work and how it intersects with the topic of social safety at VU Amsterdam.
At VU Amsterdam we are committed to fostering a study and work environment where social safety is a core value - one in which students, staff, and PhD candidates are able to grow and thrive. We actively strive for an open and inclusive culture that embraces a diversity of perspectives. By speaking up, listening to one another, and contributing to each other’s wellbeing, we can help reduce bullying, discrimination, racism, and (sexual) harassment.
In this series, ‘Conversations on Social Safety’, we hear from professionals who, through the nature of their work, contribute to cultivating a socially safe environment at VU Amsterdam. This time, we speak with Annemieke ter Steege, occupational social worker, and Kim Daamen, student wellbeing coordinator.
We help people become more resilient, speak up, and set their boundaries earlier
Annemieke: “Together with my colleagues, I support staff members who feel overwhelmed, whether by work-related stress, personal challenges, or the struggle to balance the two. These situations often destabilise people and place greater demands on them than they can manage. Issues around social safety frequently play a role in this. For example, I regularly talk to people who feel they’ve been treated unfairly or who don’t dare to speak out due to hierarchical dynamics. This often leads to feelings of being misjudged. We aim to empower individuals in a range of ways, helping them move forward and build resilience.” Read the full interview with Annemieke.
When socially unsafe situations arise, it’s important that students take action too
Kim: “Our goal is for all students to be able to study in a safe environment and develop to their full potential. When socially unsafe situations occur, it’s important that students take responsibility and respond. Ideally, this means directly addressing the person whose behaviour is causing harm. If that’s not feasible, speaking with a study advisor is the next step. But bystanders also play a crucial role. Imagine witnessing one student discriminating against another, or inappropriate behaviour between a lecturer and a student. In such cases, it’s essential to step up, even if it feels uncomfortable. It’s too easy to say, ‘That’s not my responsibility,’ when in fact, your silence makes you part of the situation. So yes, bystanders have a responsibility too: we must work together to create a safe learning environment. And for situations that can’t be resolved informally, it’s important for students to know that VU Amsterdam has support services they can turn to.” Read the full interview with Kim.