We liberals believe a fair, free and open society, and a prosperous, sustainable Europe requires men and women to be equal in power, leadership and decision-making.

That is why in 2016 the ALDE party launched the European Women’s Academy (EWA) of political leadership and empowerment in cooperation with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation (FNF) and the European Liberal Forum (ELF) – Europe’s leading platform for supporting liberal women to succeed in politics and decision-making. Since then, we have directly supported over 100 women to pursue their political ambitions and many alumnae are now in elected political office across Europe. However, there is so much more we could and should be doing if we are serious about seeing more liberal women run, win, lead and succeed in politics.

Our goal is to create a highly visible and influential political platform and brand that is transforming European politics. We will use every tool at our disposal to support liberal women but, above all, it means placing our incredible EWA Alumnae network at the heart of the process to evolve the EWA program over the coming years. With this in mind, we are thrilled to announce the launch of the EWA Alumnae Advisory Board. This group of eight passionate and brilliant EWA Alumnae will engage on every aspect of the EWA programme and help to make our massive ambition for EWA in the coming years a reality.

On being offered a spot on the Advisory Board, Diana Topčić-Rosenberg (GLAS, Croatia) said: “I am touched to be invited and appreciate an opportunity to be part of shaping the future of EWA. EWA has given me a lot and I am happy to be able to give something back.”

Camelia Crisan, another Advisory Board member from (USR, Romania) said “a strong EWA Alumnae Advisory Group will help push the agenda for more significant presence of women in politics”.

Other members of the Advisory Board include Joanna Burnos (ALDE Party individual member); Jasmina Mrso (Naša Stranka, Bosnia and Herzegovina); Emma Murphy (Fianna Fáil, Ireland); Joyce Onstad (Liberal Democrats, UK); Bettina Stark-Watzinger (FDP, Germany); Stina Wahlsten (SFP, Finland).

Advisory Board members will provide their wisdom and ideas on everything from how to reach more liberal women, allies and partners to what the programme’s visual identity could be, what events and activities should be carried out, and so much more. The Advisory Board will also ensure that the alumnae network’s perspective and collective voice is heard in everything we do.

For more information, contact Adam Vink at [email protected]

Learn more of the EWA programme

📣Excited to announce the launch of European Women’s Academy (#EWA) Advisory Board! Consisting of 8 passionate EWA alumnae, the group is tasked with taking our unique political empowerment programme to new heights! Learn more 👉 https://t.co/k2hHB8bjRO
@fnfeurope @FNFreiheit pic.twitter.com/ZPNMaFlaSu

— ALDE Party (@ALDEParty) May 18, 2020