European policymakers are often far removed from the consequences that policies and political priorities developed at EU level can have once they filter into national legislation, public institutions, universities, workplaces, healthcare and civil society. Even less visible are the consequences for the women who challenge them.
Across Europe, women who have publicly questioned gender identity policies or defended sex-based rights have faced serious professional and personal consequences. They have lost jobs, careers, income and professional standing. They have faced disciplinary proceedings, public denunciation, social exclusion and repeated legal action. For migrant and refugee women, meanwhile, changes to the meaning of sex can reach into the most vulnerable moments of their lives, including access to female-only shelters and services intended to protect women from male violence.
These voices need to be heard. Join us on 3 November 2026 in Brussels, as we bring together women from across Europe who know the consequences of these policies first-hand, professionally, personally or through the women they represent. The event will be followed by a drinks reception.
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Welcome address
Faika El-NagashiFormer Green MP in Austria, lifelong human rights advocate, and founder and Director of Athena Forum |
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Keynote
Helen JoyceFormer journalist and editor at The Economist, author of the bestselling TRANS: Gender Identity and the New Battle for Women’s Rights, and Director of Advocacy at Sex Matters (UK) |
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Panel speaker
Silvia CarrascoFormer professor of Social Anthropology and president of Feministes de Catalunya (Spain) |
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Panel speaker
Anne KalvigFormer professor of Religious Studies and women’s rights advocate (Norway) |
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Panel speaker
Rona DuweFeminist activist, author and campaigner for women’s rights (Germany) |
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Panel speaker
Sodfa DaajiPolicy and Advocacy Officer, European Network of Migrant Women |
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Panel Moderator
Zsófi BaloghJournalist, podcaster, and women’s rights advocate (Hungary) |
📅 3 November 2026, 18:30
📍 European Quarter, Brussels (venue confirmed to registered attendees)
🎟️ Free and open to the public on prior registration


