From 4-6 November 2025, WAVE Network and EL*C – EuroCentralAsian Lesbian Community brought together 30 advocates from across Europe for a joint study visit and dialogue at the European Parliament as part of Gender Equality Week 2025.

The three-day programme, supported by Members of the European Parliament and the European Commission, created a rare space for women’s rights and LBTI advocates to connect, learn from one another, and speak directly to policymakers about the realities on the ground.

Building connections and shared purpose

The first two days focused on exchange and preparation. Participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities facing feminist and LBTI movements, discussed intersectional approaches to advocacy, and worked in mixed groups to prepare joint messages for policymakers.

Through workshops, group reflections, and informal networking, participants built understanding and trust across movements. “It is not always easy to have these conversations,” one participant shared, “but this is where solidarity starts – by listening and working together.”

Inside the European Parliament

On 5 November, the group gathered in the European Parliament for the event Feminist Solidarity in Action: Dialogue for the Future of Women’s and LBTI Rights in Europe.

Four representatives, two from WAVE and two from EL*C, presented speeches to Members of the European Parliament, highlighting the importance of including diverse feminist voices and ensuring that civil-society organisations have a seat at the table when shaping EU policies on equality and the prevention of violence against women.

The discussion was hosted by MEP Kim van Sparrentak, with contributions from MEPs Elena Kountoura and Melissa Camara, and from Halliki Voolma and Francesco Favi of the European Commission. The exchange underlined the value of dialogue between institutions and grassroots advocates in shaping policies that are both inclusive and effective.

Looking ahead

The conversations in Brussels reaffirmed a shared belief: that alliances between women’s rights and LBTI movements are key to sustaining progress in Europe. Participants called for stronger collaboration between civil society and policymakers, the inclusion of intersectional perspectives, and continued dialogue that leads to lasting impact within the forthcoming Gender Equality Strategy and the implementation of the EU Directive on combating violence against women.

As one participant reflected, “When we work together, we move the needle towards equality.”

WAVE and EL*C are grateful to all who made this dialogue possible, and remain committed to building bridges, amplifying voices, and ensuring that feminist solidarity translates into action.

#DespiteOurDifferences