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Empower Women Media Presents: Abraham Women’s Alliance Brussels Forum March 19, 2025 – European Parliament, Brussels, Belgium.
Brussels, Belgium – On March 19, 2025, Empower Women Media hosted the Abraham Women’s Alliance Brussels Forum at the European Parliament in Brussels. This event united women leaders from the Abrahamic faiths to promote peacebuilding, inter-religious harmony, and women’s empowerment. The forum focused on fostering inclusion, human dignity, and religious freedom in the workplace, while equipping diplomats, government leaders, and multi-faith constituents with practical tools to advance these values globally.
The forum featured a dynamic agenda, including a film festival, workshops, and networking opportunities. Speakers and panelists addressed critical issues facing women in the Middle East, North Africa (MENA), and beyond, with a particular focus on interfaith dialogue, gender equality, and the role of women in building resilient communities.
Key Speakers and Interventions
Giusi Princi, MEP from the EPP, member of the delegation of the UE to Central Asia. She stressed the importance of having women at the forefront of community building, as they are the “agents of change and peace”. She addressed the need to achieve religious freedom and to use education and culture as the means to combat intolerance. The EU is responsible to start the dialogue with third countries in order to promote women’s rights as well as mutual respect and open debate.
Manel Msalmi, Advisor to European Parliamentarians, opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of religious freedom and women’s leadership in fostering peace and inclusion. She highlighted how Christian values remind us of the significance of human dignity under the umbrella of religious freedom. Ms. Msalmi also discussed the Mediterranean’s historical legacy as a crossroads of civilizations and its role in promoting peace in the MENA region.
Deborah Paul, Flammaker and Media Advocate, shared her inspiring journey of advocating for women’s rights and interfaith dialogue. She highlighted the power of media in driving social change and how storytelling can bridge divides between communities.
Dr. Firouzeh Nahavandi, a renowned Human Rights and Women’s Rights advocate with over 40 years of experience, discussed the intersection of social and political issues with women’s rights, particularly in Iran and Afghanistan. She stressed the importance of interreligious dialogue in addressing geopolitical challenges, noting that every social or political issue often begins with women’s issues.
Boushra Millet, a Kurdish-Syrian journalist and Women’s Rights advocate, shed light on the complexities of Syria’s secular regime and the daily struggles of women facing persecution, honor killings, and systemic opression. She challenged the perception of secularism in Syria, revealing the stark contrast between the country’s outward image and the harsh realities women face.
Bod Melek, an Iranian journalist and Human Rights advocate, shared her personal experiences growing up under a religious dictatorship in Iran. She highlighted the resilience of Iranian women and the role of family in fostering compassion and resistance, even in the face of systemic oppression.
Amra Helperin, a counterterrorism expert, explored the nuanced relationship between religious freedom and peace, challenging the assumption that the two are inherently linked. She argued that while religious freedom is essential, it does not automatically guarantee peace, and more nuanced approaches are needed.
Maria Faw, representing Sudanese women, spoke on the devastating impact of war on women and children, emphasizing the need for dialogue to address the atrocities faced by women in conflict zones. She called for international attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Chouia Kawchec, from India, discussed the importance of religious freedom in a multi-religious society, highlighting the tragic consequences of inequality and sexism. She shared alarming statistics on violence against women and stressed the need for systemic change.
Ai So, an advocate from Myanmar, emphasized the importance of women’s autonomy, urging that women should never have to choose between their faith and their future. She called for greater empowerment and freedom for women in all aspects of life.
Dipali de Beco, founder of the Association for the Development of Indigenous Ethics, inspired attendees with her message of inner strength and the power of focusing on good over evil. She encouraged participants to harness their inner light and resilience to overcome challenges.
Malika from the Comoros Islands, founder of an association against child abuse, highlighted the vital role women play in building bridges between communities and promoting intercultural dialogue. She shared her experiences in fostering unity and understanding in a diverse society.
Objectives of the Forum and How They Were Met
The Abraham Women’s Alliance Brussels Forum successfully achieved its objectives through a series of impactful discussions, workshops, and networking sessions by :
Building Trust and Relationship as the forum brought together women leaders from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, fostering trust and collaboration. Through open dialogue and shared experiences, participants built lasting connections;
Exploring Challenges and Opportunities since speakers and panelists addressed critical issues such as gender inequality, religious persecution, and systemic oppression. By sharing personal stories and expert insights, the forum highlighted both the challenges women face and the opportunities for progress;
Fostering Religious Harmony through discussions on religious freedom and interfaith cooperation, for which the forum promoted harmony in the MENA region and beyond. Participants explored ways to bridge divides and build inclusive societies that respect human dignity.
Conclusion
The Abraham Women’s Alliance Brussels Forum was a resounding success, bringing together women leaders from around the world to address pressing issues and promote peace, inclusion, and empowerment. By fostering dialogue, sharing resources, and building connections, the forum laid the groundwork for continued collaboration and progress in the pursuit of gender equality and religious harmony.
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