The European Women's Lobby

In the context of the celebrations of the European Women’s Lobby’s 20^th anniversary, the EWL Annual Conference 2010, held in Madrid on 11 June, saw a vibrant and inspiring debate between EWL members and women’s rights supporters with various backgrounds and approaches to ‘Feminism in the 21^st Century'. Generously hosted by the Spanish Ministry for Equality, the event welcomed as speakers prominent activists, academics, policy-makers and experts to present the diversity of feminist activism throughout Europe.

The panelists addressed issues as diverse as the impact of modern media and business interests on women’s perceptions of body images and experiences of well-being (Susie Orbach), the importance of accepting and expressing diversity (Rosa Valls) and how to shape public policy to effectively combat against violence against women and promote equality (Laura Seara).

Highlighting the complementarities of the feminisms they practice, the passionate appeal presented by psychoanalyst, author and campaigner, Susie Orbach, for young women to ‘dare to accept how lovely you are’ was concretely reflected in the grass-roots mobilization against ‘lads mags’ presented by Kat Banyard from UK Feminista. These actions, along with those of French group ‘La Barbe’ very publicly showing up ‘old-boys networks’, portray a sassy and tongue-in-cheek feminism, confident in front of the camera and the computer keyboard. There is no lack of imagination and dynamism in the feminism of Rebecca Gomperts either. From ‘Women on Waves’ to ‘Women on Web’, Rebecca has recently taken her mission to prevent unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions into the virtual world.

As the EWL enters its third decade of activism and advocacy, these women are an inspiration to us all. The vitality and richness of their diverse contributions to the cause of women’s rights and gender equality in Europe today demonstrates how feminism today is very much a living concept.