The law firm VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne won the award for the most female-friendly organization in Curaçao. Acting Governor Adèle van der Pluijm-Vrede presented the SVC Award to office director Esther Jansen.
"Stichting Vrouwennetwerk Curaçao" (Foundation Women’s Network Curaçao) initiated the most female-friendly award in 2005. The purpose is to reward organizations that grant female employees in particular the opportunity to develop optimally and as such can serve as an example for the Curaçao society. The award is presented to the most female-friendly organization in Curaçao every two years.
Chair of the jury, Jeanette Bonet: "The law firm excelled by efficient use of modern technical tools such as video conferencing and providing the flexibility to staff – the male staff too – to work part-time and still make a career."
According to Esther Jansen, women play a key role in the Dutch Caribbean economy. She believes that the award increases the awareness of the influence of women in organizations. "We consider this award to be our crowning glory and acknowledgment of our policy. We pursue a good work-life balance for everyone and help our associates in expressing their qualities and talents in our company."
The law firm’s new office in St. Maarten has one female lawyer at the moment. Attorney Marieke Quist graduated at the University of Amsterdam in 2009 and started her career as legal advisor to government of Saba in October 2009. She advised Saba’s Island Council, Executive Council and the Lt. Governor about various legal issues in the areas of civil law and administrative law, with an emphasis on civil servant and employment law. Quist was also acting Island Secretary of the Public Entity of Saba from January 2010 until August 2011. Marouschka van Axel Dongen supports the team in St. Maarten as the office manager.
VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne is a law firm with offices in Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, St. Maarten and a Dutch Caribbean Desk in Amsterdam. With approximately 35 specialized lawyers, the firm provides legal services to companies and governments, both regarding disputes and regarding transactions. VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne is the Dutch Caribbean market leader in legal services and is involved in almost all local, intra-insular, and international takeovers and financing. On November 25, 2011 the lawyers officially open their branch on St. Maarten. A team of dedicated lawyers is already working in St. Maarten. With the office in St. Maarten VanEps Kunneman VanDoorne can better serve the markets of St. Maarten, Saba, Statia, and the surrounding islands.