On Friday 24 april, Gerda Lübkemann was awarded a royal distinction during the yearly ‘ribbon rain’ (lintjesregen). This is a well-deserved recognition of her long-standing and valuable commitment to Lawyers for Lawyers.
Gerda has been involved with Lawyers for Lawyers for almost 20 years. As part of our secretariat, Gerda supports our administrative work. During this time, Gerda has made a significant contribution to the organisation’s mission of supporting lawyers at risk worldwide. In recognition of her longstanding dedication, we were proud to nominate her for this royal distinction. In addition to her work for Lawyers for Lawyers, Gerda supports foreign initiators through their social foundations in Amsterdam.
During a ceremony held at the Royal Concertgebouw, Gerda received the ribbon from Femke Halsema, the mayor of Amsterdam. Ribbons were awarded to people who have made a ‘particularly meritorious’ contribution to society. With this royal decoration, Gerda is now a ‘Member of the Order of Orange-Nassau’ (Lid in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau).
When asked whether Gerda realized why she was being brought to the Concertgebouw, she said she had suspected that something was planned, as her son had come up with a rather unconvincing explanation for their visit. To maintain the surprise, her son told her that his girlfriend would be receiving a royal distinction. Therefore, it remained a big surprise when Gerda herself was invited onto the stage.
We are very grateful for Gerda’s continued support for our organisation and congratulate her with this distinction.
