Forum for women in politics
The public space is a place for exchanges, meetings and the co-construction of society. As such, it must be a place of representation, diversity and safety.
To mark International Women's Rights Day, Volt would like to reiterate its commitment to increasing the number of women involved in politics and in society, to improving public policies to make them more inclusive and to ensuring that women have truly equal access to elected office.
This forum was prepared in cooperation with Volt France, Volt Luxembourg and Volt Switzerland. For each chapter, women spoke out about their involvement in politics.
“On this International Women’s Day, I remember all women who stood up, spoke out and fought for better lives for all women. From Emmeline Pankhurst to Rosa Parks, to Malala Yousafzai to name a few. My thoughts turn especially to the many brave women throughout our world who continue to fight against oppression today and every day - in Afghanistan, the Middle East, Africa and Ukraine. We stand together with them all. You are my inspiration, you are what drives me to stand up, speak out and protect the freedoms we have.” - Tracey D.
In Belgium, the new government includes only four women (out of fifteen ministers). Prime Minister De Wever says this is unexpected and unfortunate, but it can happen. The federal parliament has 42% women (63 of the 150 federal MPs are women, compared with 64 in the previous term). Among the 22 Belgian MEPs, there are 9 women.
“I am a free woman in a free Europe. I am indebted to the generations before me who fought to secure this freedom for us, and I owe it to our children to defend it. I am with Volt because I believe in Europe. Only together and on an equal footing can we create lasting prosperity – this applies to regions in Belgium, to peoples in Europe and beyond, as well as to the coexistence of men and women in society.” - Ulrike F.
History is full of talented women who have dared and shown the way. Today, too many women don't go into politics or don't dare to take the plunge into politics.
“I joined Volt because of its commitment to diversity, equal opportunities for all, gender balance and female leadership. I am convinced that Belgian women need to be better represented at all levels of management and political life. Every free democratic country, including Belgium, should end gender stereotypes and become more inclusive towards women. In many countries, a higher percentage of women have higher education than men. But more men hold top positions in business and politics. It is high time to change this.” - Natalia R.
Apprehension, lack of moral, financial and logistical support, psychological or educational barriers are all reasons why women still hold back today, even though they have the desire and the skills to play an active part in their country's political life.
“A colleague – like me, a polyglot and europhile – told me about Volt Europa’s project. In the super election year 2024, I worked behind the scenes in Belgium for six months and was a supporting candidate in the provincial elections. Why? Because everyone should be represented among the candidates. Differences in age, gender, origin, religion, or disability make our society so much richer. Just like Europe’s motto: let’s be united in diversity!”– An VG.
In our daily lives, we see both women and men encouraging, advising, debating, innovating, reflecting, proposing, organising, using diplomacy and self-control. Having a sense of commitment, being a good listener, being a team player, being strategic, resilience, honesty, eloquence... these are all human qualities and are not linked to gender.
“I came to Volt because I was tired of the current state of politics and of remaining a passive spectator. I work in the IT sector for the Dutch and Flemish maritime governments. I know all about being the only woman in a male-dominated field. Despite a healthy dose of imposter syndrome, like so many other women, I'm gradually learning to take my place and challenge the status quo. I hope that by being more visible, more women will find the courage to join us, and that more people will realise that we women are much more than our gender.” - Karima EH.
There are still many barriers to women's participation in politics, and we are clear about the battles still to be fought. But on this 8 March 2025, we all want to say together: women have their place in the discussions and in the co-construction of our society.
We want to send out a strong message and an appeal:
We encourage all women to get involved in politics, whatever the nature and degree of their commitment, and we encourage those around them to help them along the way and support them in their actions!
We call on all political parties to take action to include more women and make it easier for them to get involved!
“I've been interested in politics since I was very young, and this passion led me to study political science. I've never felt that being a woman was an obstacle to making my voice heard in society. But in recent years I've seen the rise of the far right and I see the rights of women and minorities under threat in Western countries. I've realised that we must never take these rights for granted, but remain vigilant and fight to defend them. That's what prompted me to get involved with Volt, because I'm convinced that a united and democratic Europe is the best bulwark against nationalism and the regression of human rights’. - Alixxa S.
We have started by reinforcing parity in the public arena: electoral lists, round tables, the media, etc. It is time to go a step further, by creating real spaces for inclusion, expression and projects for women (within parties, in decision-making bodies, etc.), subsidies dedicated to projects by and for women, and reinforced communication with the outside world. Women need to have a more general and systematic presence on the political scene.
It's high time our public policies were made by and for all our fellow citizens.