Riek Bakker - De ruimte van Riek

Riek Bakker is an influential urban planner and has played a crucial role in the urban development of Rotterdam. As director of Urban Development, she was the driving force behind the transformation of the Kop van Zuid, connecting the north and south banks of the city via the iconic Erasmus Bridge. Her approach is characterized by decisiveness and a strong vision of urban renewal. During the city college 'De ruimte van Riek', in the series Powerful Women Strong City, we take a look at her life, from her youth as the only girl among seven brothers to her career in a male-dominated world. We discuss her personal and professional journey, but also her vision on recent developments in Rotterdam and what challenges and opportunities does she see for the future?

Powerful Women Strong City

This city college is part of the Powerful Women Strong City program of the Rotterdam People's University. In 2025 it will be 50 years ago that the United Nations declared the International Year of Women. The Rotterdam People's University is no stranger when it comes to powerful women and female leadership. Ida van Dugteren was in charge of the day-to-day management of the Rotterdam People's University for no less than 40 years at a time (1918) when women were officially not allowed to be directors. Her story and that of many other women inside and outside Rotterdam symbolizes the progress we have made together. This year we bring these stories to life in the Powerful Women Strong City program.