WOMEN'S FORUM BRUSSELS TO BE HELD IN THE EP ON 28 JANUARY 2014

The Women's Forum Brussels was created to bring together women members of the European Parliament and women from European business, to debate on how trust is being reshaped in Europe "Reshaping trust in Europe with women's vision".

Three topics will be discussed:

1. European tools to build a competitive economy: European Union economic policy is geared towards steady growth and more jobs in the EU. While aiming to stabilize the economy in the short term and increase potential growth in the medium term, it also addresses different long-term challenges, such as population ageing and globalization. Which tools (political, technical and legal) exist within the European Union which help foster the economy? Do they correspond to the current economic situation in Europe and its manay challenges?

2. Advancing women's paticipation in politics and government: Equitable participation of women in politics and government is essential to building and sustaining democracy. Comprising over 50% of the world's population women continue to be under-represented as voters, political leaders and elected officials. Which tools can women use to participate successfully, in all aspects of the political process? When elected, which different contributions can they bring to the political debate?

3. Women of influence: Making the connection between business and politics: Women pursue different paths to power in business and politics, yet in both areas there is a leaky leadership pipeline. What can the two spheres learn from each other about how to better promote women's leadership? How might the public and private sectors work together more effectively on this goal which both share?

Speakers:

Women MEPs:

• Isabelle Durant, Vice-President of the European Parliament (Belgium)
• Mariya Gabriel (Bulgaria)
• Silvana Koch-Merin (Germany)
• Tokia Saïfi (France)
• Ines Ayala Sender (Spain)

Diplomats and Ministers

• Marta Dassu, Deputy Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Italy)
• Maria Francesca Spatolisano, European Union, Ambassador, Permanent Representative to the OECD

Academics and International Organisations

• Claire Annesley, Professor of Politics and Director of Research in the School of Social Sciences, University of Manchester (UK)
• Irene Khan, Director-General, International Development Law Organization (IDLO)
• Elisabeth Kelan, Associate Professor, Department of Management, King's College, London

Business

• Jacqueline Franjou, CEO, Women's Forum for the Economy and Society
• Julia Harrison, Senior Managing Diector, Managing Partner FTI Consulting Brussels (UK)
• Sharon Leclercq-Spooner, Partner, EPPA and Member of the Board, EurActiv.com
• Muriel de Saint-Sauveur, International Marketing and Communications Agency Director, Group Diversity Director, Mazars
• Saskia Van Uffelen, CEO, SA Bull NV

Media

• Caroline de Camaret, Europe Editor-in-Chief, France 24
• Martina Stevis, EU Correspondent, The Wall Street Journal

AALEP Chair plans to attend this important event and announce the formal launch of 'AALEP 'Women in Government Relations' initiative