At the 6th European Women’s International Leadership Award in Brussels, eight women from the worlds of politics, diplomacy, business and civil society were honoured in their respective capacities.

The International Women’s Leadership Forum puts the spotlight on women who, at some point in their lives, have decided to follow their dreams, to break with the traditional obligations around them, to challenge male-dominated fields and to act respectfully, in order to set an example to all those women who do not (yet) dare to make their voices heard and develop their potential.

Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana MEP.

Held on 29th January 2024 in Brussels in a friendly and constructive atmosphere, the 6th European Women’s International Leadership Award was presented by Pierrette Herzberger-Fofana MEP (Greens/EFA), vice-chair of the Committee on Development and member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality.

The MEP opened her speech by congratulating the women who had been honoured.

She also thanked the organisers for the confidence they had placed in her to preside over the ceremony, which witnessed the crowning of eight women from different continents.

Mr Friedrich von Heusinger, Director of Hessen’s Representative Office to the European Union, congratulated the eight prize-winners on their exceptional careers, which are an inspiration to future generations.

He also offered his warmest congratulations to the organisers and jury members of this event, recalling the importance of organising such a humane initiative.

L-R: Frank Schwalba-Hoth, Radouan Bachiri, Friedrich von Heusinger.

Radouan Bachiri, Founding President of the International Women’s Leadership Forum, opened the ceremony with a welcome speech, in which he expressed his thanks to the participants for having responded to the invitation, stressing that this annual forum is a pioneering opportunity to honour women and recognise their pioneering role in consolidating the values of equality and integration in the construction of just societies.

Mr Bachiri pointed out that the European Women’s International Leadership Award honours the leadership of women from the four corners of the globe, women who inspire and bring about lasting change in their communities, and who are capable of bringing about transformative change, whether in associations, politics, education, entrepreneurship or any other field.

This contrasts with a world that continues to face urgent challenges such as conflict, war, climate change and growing inequality.

To achieve this, Radouan Bachiri maintains that the consolidation of an inclusive and diverse feminist leadership is essential for sustainable development on a global scale.

According to the organisers, women and girls must be in a better position to contribute fully to solutions. They are therefore calling for the fight against gender discrimination, harmful social norms and persistent compartmentalisation.

Radouan Bachiri also warmly thanked the members of the jury for their extraordinary work: Bjorn Hultin, Thao Kilbee, Irène Kamanzi, Frank Schwalba Hoth and Svetlana Spaic.

European, diplomatic and political figures attended the ceremony, including several Members of the European Parliament, senior officials from the European Commission and several ambassadors accredited to Belgium, as well as representatives of the media and civil society.

The European Women’s International Leadership Award is dedicated to all women: presidents of NGOs, company directors, MPs, journalists, scientists, researchers, women legislators, women from the world of agriculture and all women leaders in their respective fields. Its aim is to encourage women’s leadership on a global scale.

The ceremony was moderated and presented by Mr Frank Schwalba-Hoth, himself a former MEP.

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