Women CSO leaders for systemic change

On Monday, 19 February 2024, the Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES), Green European Foundation (GEF) and Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung European Union presented the policy study ‘Women CSO Leaders for Systemic Change – How to Support Feminist Leadership in Europe‘. 

This policy study represents the first-ever study of its kind, taking stock of the last decade’s progress and identifying remaining barriers and new opportunities for women civil society organisation (CSO) leaders in achieving systemic change in Europe.  The co-authors showcased their research from nearly 150 comprehensive interviews with women CSO leaders. The findings include policy recommendations to foster an enabling environment, addressing funding and societal norms to support the thriving of women leaders.

The study presentation fed into a panel discussion with leading policymakers in the field of gender equality in the workplace and civil society representatives. This public event offered a unique opportunity to exchange and gather input from key stakeholders.

Speakers included:

• Joanna Maycock, award-winning feminist organiser and campaigner
• Angela Philp, Feminist Leadership Coach
• Celine Charveriat, Founder Protopia Consulting
• Melanie Bernhofer, Head of Programme – Climate, Trade and Agricultural Policy, Heinrich-Böll–Stiftung EU
• Christiane Kesper, Director of the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung Brussels Office
• Gwendoline Delbos-Corfield, Green European Foundation Board Member
• Ester Asin, Director of WWF European Policy Office
• Alice Hubbard, Strategy Manager, Green European Foundation
• Ania Skrzypek, Director for Research and Training, FEPS
• Sofie Amalie Stage, Secretary General of YES

Before the event, a light-standing lunch was served from 13:00-13:30 in the Artemisia room at Mundo Madou, Avenue des Arts 7-8, 1210 Brussels. 

Listen to Joanna Maycock discussing the policy study’s findings in FEPS Talks podcast ‘Feminist leadership for systematic change‘.

For more information, please contact Euleane Omez, FEPS Project Management Coordinator (euleane.omez@feps-europe.eu).