The Women of Europe Awards are jointly organised by the European Movement International and the European Women’s Lobby, building upon the national awards of several National European Movement Councils.
The ninth edition of the awards took place on Thursday 5 December 2024 at the BELvue Museum Atrium, Brussels.
The Women of Europe Awards were launched in 2016 to highlight the contribution of women in promoting and advancing European issues and to increase the involvement of women in debates about Europe and its future. While the role of women in the European project remains largely unrecognised, the awards aim to acknowledge and showcase their inspiring initiatives which lend a voice to women across Europe and defend European values such as democracy, inclusion and diversity.
Find a highlight reel at the bottom of this page or on YouTube here.
European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, delivered the closing remarks, highlighting the importance of inclusivity and collaboration in shaping a more equal Europe:
“I am proud to be the first woman of migrant background serving the EU as Commissioner. It’s a privilege to fight for progress and a better world for women. Progress is never accidental; it is intentional. Women’s voices must not only be heard—they must lead the way. When women lead, society flourishes.”
THE AWARDS CATEGORIES
The Awards are handed out in five different categories:
Woman in Power | showing extraordinary political leadership in Europe
Woman in Action | undertaking extraordinary actions at the grassroots level in Europe
Woman in Business | advancing European integration with entrepreneurial spirit
Young Woman of Europe | for young women (age 15 to 30) actively strengthening the voice of young women in Europe
Woman in Media | outstanding women in media who possess a powerful voice, actively bringing attention to European issues
MEET THE WINNERS
In a celebration of women’s contribution to society and European integration, Věra Jourová, the former Vice President of the European Commission for Values and Transparency, was honoured with the Woman in Power Award. Jourová, an advocate for gender equality and women’s rights, received the Woman in Power Award for her work to defend democracy, freedom, and for setting global standards on data protection. The esteemed jury, comprised of women from politics, business, civil society, media, and academia, also acknowledged her significant work in promoting women’s and human rights. In her acceptance speech, Jourová said:
“I believe women rarely seek power for its own sake, but when we use our power to uplift women, we improve their lives and create a brighter, stronger future for all of Europe.”
OsnaŽene (Woman in Action), a women’s group from Serbia, recognised for their unwavering courage and advocacy for against gender-based violence, accepted the award with enthusiasm, stating:
“The Women of Europe Awards remind us why we do what we do—to make women’s voices heard and to create true lasting change. For us at OsnaŽene, it’s a powerful acknowledgment that gender equality isn’t just a goal for Europe—it’s the heart of its future.”
Winning the Woman in Business category, Dr. Norah Patten, the first Irish person set to go to space, was lauded for her innovative work in STEM. Accepting the award via a video speech, Dr. Patten said:
“I’m truly honoured for this award and to pave the way so that younger generations can dream big and reach for the stars.”
Maja Krištafor, founder of Croatia’s first DEI consultancy Inkluziv Collective and an avid promoter of youth empowerment, encouraged solidarity and seeking role models of all ages:
This award is an incredible honour. Let’s take inspiration from older and younger women, and from one another, as we step forward together—because no woman is truly free until all of us are.
For her dedication to fostering informed discussions on crucial European issues such as migration, gender equality and EU integration, Teresa Buczkowska accepted the Woman in Media Award, emphasising:
It’s important to recognise the diversity in expression, for the true value and strength of democracy lies in its inclusivity—when no one is excluded from it.
MEET THE JURY
Maria Walsh, Member of the European Parliament, EPP and member of the jury, expressed hope for a positive future:
“These women are breaking barriers, and inspiring future generations to strive for a world where equality is not an ideal, but a reality. Their contributions are a powerful reminder that gender equality is a shared responsibility that we must continue to honour, embrace, and advance.”
Marta Barandiy, CEO of Promote Ukraine and member of the jury, praised the awardees as beacons of empowerment for a better future:
“When a woman commits to her goal, she will achieve it—with or without you. Support her or step aside, for her destination leads to a better world for us all.”
Nyanchama Okemwa, Chair of the European Network Against Racism and member of the jury, was inspired by the awards, saying:
“Recognising women’s contributions is a commitment to reveal hidden histories, dismantle biases, and relearn truths that inspire equity and inclusion. Real progress means celebrating female leadership in an empowered world that embraces the diversity, multiplicity and heterogeneity of women’s achievements.”
MEET THE SHORTLISTED NOMINEES
Our shortlisted nominees share thoughts on the importance of equality, solidarity, and recognition:
In the Woman in Business category, Berta Herrero recognises the urgency to mainstream gender equality for future generations:
The Women of Europe Awards serve as a powerful reminder of the extraordinary contributions women make in every area and at every level. These awards not only celebrate individual achievements but also highlight the collective impact of women in technology, politics, and social change. Gender equality is not just a moral imperative; it is essential to the growth and prosperity of our societies. By empowering women and ensuring their voices are heard at every level of decision-making, we can build a Europe that is more inclusive, resilient, and ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
In the Woman in Action category, Shaza Alrihawi speaks to the contributions of refugees and the power of inclusion:
The Women of Europe Awards are more than a recognition—it is a revolution. We are not just survivors, but architects of change. Every award is a testament to our resilience and a declaration that refugee women are powerful agents of transformation, reshaping Europe’s narrative of inclusion, one story at a time. The Women of Europe Awards break down barriers and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of women, including those who have overcome adversity.
Also in the category Woman in Action, Cathrin Schauer-Kelpin emphasises fighting bad actors and protecting human rights:
For me, my nomination for the European Women Award Women in Action represents a special recognition of my hard work against forced prostitution, human trafficking and sexual and other violence against children. I see it as a sign of the commitment I invest in combating these serious human rights violations. The award makes the achievements of women visible and helps to promote a Europe-wide network of strong, inspiring women. The award highlights the achievements of women and promotes a strong network that supports and inspires one another. It is crucial that we work together as a society to protect children and women from violence, discrimination and sexual exploitation: Because sexual and other violence must simply be unbearable for our society.
In the category Young Woman of Europe, Anja Presnukhina calls for solidarity:
In these times of multiple crises raging within and outside of Europe, our dignity and ability to stand up for human rights are put to the test. From access to safe abortion to our freedom of movement, we must stand in solidarity with all oppressed women of Europe and abroad!
EVENT HOST
Méabh McMahon, European affairs correspondent and TV Host for Euronews hosted the Awards Gala.
PARTNER
MEDIA PARTNER
SPONSOR
You can read more about last year’s 2023 edition here.
