This text is the transcript of the opening remarks of Dr Audrey-Flore Ngomsik, president of the Brussels Binder.
Close your eyes for a moment...
... and imagine...
... a typical policy debate, somewhere in the heart of Brussels.
Dark wood panels line the walls, portraits of past leaders watch from above.
Around a massive oval table, policy experts discussing Europe's future.
Every face is white, male, and over 50.
Their identical navy suits blend into one another.
They all attended the same schools, grew up in the same neighbourhoods, went on vacation in the same places and so on.
Their voices echo with the same accent, their perspectives shaped by the same experiences.
Today’s debate is about energy policy.
No one mentions energy poverty affecting single mothers.
No one considers how the green transition affects rural women running small businesses.
No one brings up how energy-efficient housing renovations might be inaccessible to some households.
No one discusses how energy poverty disproportionately impacts women with disabilities who need constant power for medical equipment.
Yesterday, they discussed mobility...
No one raised the safety concerns of women commuting at night.
Last week, debates were about digital transformation...
No one considered the elderly or disabled users.
Tomorrow, they will shape migration policies...
And no one in the room has ever experienced being a minority, let alone having actually been a refugee themselves.
No one will question why highly qualified women migrants end up cleaning houses despite their doctoral degrees.
No one will mention how family reunification policies assume a male breadwinner model, leaving skilled women trapped in their countries of origin.
No one will raise how current requirements for proof of persecution ignore gender-specific forms of violence.
No one considers how the lack of recognition for foreign qualifications particularly affects female-dominated professions like nursing or teaching.
And now you may open your eyes again...
That's not just a diversity problem – that's a competency crisis.
Because homogeneous thinking leads to blind spots, and blind spots lead to failed policies that ignore the reality of millions of Europeans.
Dear distinguished guests, fellow advocates, friends...
Today, as we gather here at the Brussels Binder Post-European Elections Event, we must confront the uncomfortable truth that the recent elections have revealed a stark reality: while we hoped for progress, the representation of women in the European Parliament has actually declined.
The statistics from our recent European elections tell a sobering story. Not only has women's representation in the European Parliament decreased but we're witnessing the rise of political forces that actively challenge the very foundations of inclusion and diversity.
This is a call to action for all of us.
At the Brussels Binder, we don't just point out problems – we create solutions.
For years, we've been building bridges between diverse voices and policy spaces, challenging the notion that expertise only comes in one form.
Our database of women experts has become an invaluable resource for those seeking to break the echo chamber of policy discussions.
Our stand for intersectionality in our manifesto signed by more than 150 influential figures in Brussels and Europe is an acknowledgement of our desire to see policy designed for all.
Today, we're privileged to have with us:
MEP Saskia Bricmont (Greens, Belgium)
MEP Abir Al-Sahlani (Renew, Sweden)
Julie Pascoët, European Network Against Racism (ENAR)
Helena Lambsdorff, Inclusion Europe
Daniel Friedlaender (CCIA Europe)
Panel discussion (Credit Pictures: Indre Krivaite and Anna Gumbau)
Their presence demonstrates that diversity in policymaking isn't just an aspiration – it's achievable when we commit to it.
The fragmentation we're seeing in the European Parliament presents both challenges and opportunities.
Yes, we face increased resistance to inclusion.
But this also means our work is more crucial than ever.
We need to ensure that diverse voices aren't just heard but are actively shaping the policies that affect all Europeans.
As we navigate these challenging times, allow me to share something personal.
This will be my final year as President of the Brussels Binder.
In 2025, I'll be transitioning to co-lead Women in Economic Policy, with Elisa Hörhager, continuing our shared mission in a new capacity.
This isn't a goodbye – it's a commitment to expanding our impact in different ways.
The Brussels Binder has never been about any single person or role. It's about a movement – your movement. It's about every expert who's added their voice to our database, every organization that's embraced diverse panels, and every policymaker who's recognized that better representation leads to better policies.
And, last but certainly not least, it’s about all the volunteers who make it all happen – big kudos to you!
And in particular: Anja Wyrobek, Zina Nazarenko and Muireann Geary who led the organisation of this event.
Conclusion
As we begin today's discussion, I challenge each of you to think beyond your comfort zones.
How can we turn this moment of political transformation into an opportunity for genuine inclusion?
How can we ensure that diversity isn't just a buzzword but a fundamental principle of European policymaking?
The answers to these questions won't come from a homogeneous group thinking in unison.
They'll emerge from discussions - like this one – where different perspectives meet, challenge each other, and create something stronger together.
Thank you, and let's make this conversation count.
I now give the floor to Saskia Bricmont, who has kindly sponsored the networking session that will occur after the panel discussion.
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