Roelof van Laar (LLM, MBA, BA) is a social entrepeneur for children’s rights. As a consultant, he advises organisations such as VNO-NCW/MKB-NL, Global March Against Child Labour, War Child and others. Roelof was an adjunct professor in social entrpeneurship at the Webster University. He is the founder of Free a Girl and was a Member of Parliament. Roelof is known for his no-nonsense approach, eye for strategy and sharp focus.
Free a Girl is an organization against commercial sexual exploitation of children. It was founded by Yolanthe Sneijder Cabau, Evelien Hölsken, Arjan Erkel and Roelof van Laar in 2008. Evelien and Roelof became directors, Yolanthe and Arjan ambassadors. In 2010 turnover reached a million euro and it has risen ever since. Roelof left the board of directors when he became a Member of Parliament in 2013 and returned as a freelance consultant and project leader when he left parliament.
As a Member of Parliament, Roelof wrote an initiative law on mandatory due diligence for child labour and got it passed. He moved over one hundred and fifty million euro to fight children’s rights issues and fought for the rights of girls, SRHR, increased child allowences, gender equality and against child marriage.
In recent years, Roelof has worked for various children’s rights organisations to help them with their lobby strategy and capacity. He has trained over 40 lobbyists to have a bigger impact in Parliament. He also manages projects and (small) organisations. Present him with a challenge, and he will find a solution.
photo: Hans van Egdom
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