Migrant women bring crucial perspectives and contributions to European society, yet their political representation remains limited, affecting the diversity of voices and undermining democratic values. In the evolving political landscape of Europe, ensuring the inclusion of migrant women is key to upholding democracy and social cohesion.
Marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, this event highlights the importance of political inclusion and the specific challenges faced by migrant women, including gender-based violence.
Join us for insightful discussions with experts, activists, and leaders who will shed light on critical issues and provide concrete perspectives and recommendations. Participants will also have the opportunity to engage and share their ideas.
Date: 21 November 2024
Location: Amazone House, 10 Rue du Méridien, 1210 Brussels, Belgium
Languages: French and English
Registration: available in French and English
Full Concept note in French: WE-EMPOWER Migrant Women in Politics – Brussels Event ( FR Concept Note)
Full Concept note in English: WE-EMPOWER Migrant Women in Politics – Brussels Event (ENG Concept Note)
The event is co-funded by the European Union and organised by WIDE+, Collectif des Femmes and Chaska ASBL as a part of the WE-EMPOWER Eramus+ project.
Shada Islam is an award-winning expert on European affairs: analyst, commentator, advisor and strategist, as well as founder of the New Horizons Project.
POLITICO Europe named Shada Islam one of the 20 most influential women in Brussels in 2017, and she is among ZN Consulting’s top 50 influencers in 2023 and 2024. She has also received several awards for her engagement and is also an ambassador for The Brussels Binder, a women-led directory of women experts.
Cecilia Torres is a local councillor for the city of Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve and an active member of the ECOLO party. With a background in sociology and applied sciences, Cecilia worked with NGOs and the UNDP in Ecuador before moving to Belgium, where she continues to defend the rights of migrant women with the Collectif des Femmes.
A lifelong eco-feminist, Cecilia is the founder of a women’s organisation focused on promoting political participation and training elected women.
Lailuma Sadid is an accomplished professional in journalism, diplomacy, and advocacy, with a strong commitment to the Afghan diaspora.
A research assistant at ULB and freelance journalist, she chaired the Afghan Diaspora Network in Europe (2020-2024) and co-founded CLIAB to support Afghan communities.She is also a facilitator for UNHCR Belgium, a former diplomat at the Afghan Embassy in Belgium, and ran in the 2024 European elections for DéFI in Belgium.