Celebrating 75 Years: A Journey Through Women’s Contributions to the Council of Europe
November brought a powerful celebration of women’s leadership and contributions at the Council of Europe.
The exhibition “75 women in 75 years of the Council of Europe history” embarked on a two-city journey, captivating audiences in Strasbourg and Warsaw.
In Strasbourg, France, the exhibition found its home for one week at the city hall, coinciding with the prestigious World Forum for Democracy from November 4th to 9th. A public and staff tour, organized on November 12th, drew the attention of two members of the Municipality.
From Strasbourg, the exhibition travelled to Warsaw, Poland, thanks to the collaborative efforts of colleagues from the Permanent Representation of Poland.
The cascading Casimir Palace of the University of Warsaw served as the breathtaking backdrop for the exhibition during the Warsaw Dialogue for Democracy, an event that attracted approximately 200 attendees. Experts, government officials, NGO representatives, professors, and students alike marveled at the historical display.
Further amplifying its reach, the Polish Network of Women in Diplomacy facilitated the exhibition’s placement within the main building of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Its prominent location ensured that countless employees and guests encountered the powerful stories captured within the exhibition. The exhibition will continue its impactful presence in December at the XV Warsaw Seminar on Human Rights.
This remarkable exhibition was the collaborative endeavor of the EU Delegation to the Council of Europe, the Council of Europe itself, and the Permanent Representations of the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.
Through captivating visuals and compelling narratives, the exhibition illuminated the invaluable contributions of women across seven and a half decades, highlighting their enduring impact on the Council of Europe and its mission of safeguarding human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
What are some specific actions the Council of Europe could take to ensure greater representation and influence for women within its institutions?
> “This exhibition celebrating 75 years of women’s contributions to the Council of Europe has traveled across two major European cities. Many saw it as a valuable reminder of the often overlooked role women have played in shaping Europe. Do you think enough is being done to ensure women’s voices are heard and prominently featured in these institutions moving forward?”
