Martien Mellema styles a retro but breataking beauty editorial inspired by women in nature. Naomi Nijboer stars in ‘Pow, Pow, Pow, Pow, Pow ‘, lensed by Feriet Tunc for Vogue Netherlands March 2013.

When I look at these images, so many thoughts converge that are core to Anne of Carversville and now GlamTribale, my nature-inspired jewelry and gifts dedicated to telling women’s history through ancient goddesses.

The Netherlands always ends up in the top 10 list of the world’s happiest and most satisfied countries. The Dutch ranked #8 in this year’s Legatum Prosperity Index, writes Forbes. It’s also a country where gender equality is very strong and the influence of religious institutions on controlling women’s bodies is weak.

Notably, America has slipped out of the top 10 index, although Canada remains. It’s easy to blame our loss on the recession, but I argue that national political turmoil, gridlock of getting anything done, movement to disenfranchise voters and the Republican war on women also contribute to fear and disenchantment with America as the land of liberty and home of the free.

In the World Economic Forum’s Gender Gap Index, the US has slid to #22, compared to the Netherlands at #11. Last year America was #17. ~ Anne