Since launching their podcast Asymmetrical Haircuts in 2019, Janet Anderson and co-host Stephanie van den Berg have made the Hub an integral part of their creative rhythm.
The podcast is known for sharp, accessible analysis of major developments at The Hague’s courts and tribunals. When Gambia announced its ICJ genocide case against Myanmar at a press conference at the Hub in November 2019, Asymmetrical Haircuts was present and released a timely interview episode. This kind of responsiveness, combined with their direct access to key actors, has made the podcast a reliable go-to in the community.
Above all, Asymmetrical Haircuts brings a distinctive focus: amplifying female voices in international justice. “That’s our USP, ” says Janet. “We wanted to broaden the conversation. When we started, there was a small circle of go-to commentators – now we’ve built connections with women working across the whole field. ”
That commitment to inclusion has been reflected in several live events co-hosted with the Hub. From discussions on gender inequality in international institutions, to conversations on investigating mass graves with the International Commission on Missing Persons and Amnesty International, to the 2024 event marking 125 years of The Hague as a centre for international justice, each collaboration has helped bring fresh and diverse perspectives into public dialogue. In 2022, Asymmetrical Haircuts and the Hub also teamed up with UN Women to produce Holosy – Voices on Gender in Ukraine, a special podcast series that highlighted women’s experiences and leadership amid conflict.
Beyond the conversations it amplifies, the podcast has also become a launchpad for emerging talent. Young journalists and Hub interns have joined the team over the years, learning the craft of production and editing before moving on to new opportunities across the international justice and media landscape. “We like the flexibility, ” Janet says.
Today, Asymmetrical Haircuts and The Hague Humanity Hub demonstrate how collaboration across sectors–from media and civil society to international institutions–can strengthen the peace and justice ecosystem. Together, they show the power of connection to amplify voices, spark dialogue, and inspire change.