The European Parliament will dedicate its seventh annual Gender Equality Week to examining the role of women in leadership and identifying practical ways to strengthen their representation and influence across society.
Taking place from 3 to 6 November 2026, this year’s programme will bring together MEPs, policymakers and representatives from various sectors to discuss the challenges facing women in leadership positions and explore measures to ensure greater equality of opportunity for future generations.
Parliamentary committees will organise a series of debates and events addressing a wide range of issues, including the gender pension gap, women's participation in public life, disinformation targeting women, and the particular challenges experienced by women living in rural communities. Discussions will also examine demographic changes, the international backlash against gender equality amid reductions in global funding, women's representation in the aviation industry and judiciary, and the role of the EU's media framework in promoting equality.
Major Parliament event to highlight women's leadership
One of the central events will take place on Tuesday, 3 November, from 16:00 to 18:30. Entitled “Women in Leadership – Shaping the Change and Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders”, the high-level gathering will be hosted by European Parliament Vice-President Antonella Sberna in cooperation with Lina Gálvez, Chair of the Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality.
European Parliament President Roberta Metsola is also scheduled to participate in a fireside discussion as part of the event.
The programme will feature speakers representing international organisations, local authorities, the sporting world and the fashion industry, bringing together different perspectives on women's leadership and their contribution to social and institutional change.
The full programme is available on the European Parliament's Women's Rights and Gender Equality Committee webpage. The event will also be broadcast live through Parliament's Multimedia Centre.
Annual initiative promoting equal opportunities
European Gender Equality Week was established in 2020 by the European Parliament's Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. Since then, it has become an annual opportunity to review progress in advancing women's rights, highlight remaining inequalities and encourage further action to achieve gender equality.
The initiative involves parliamentary committees, delegations, political groups and the Parliament's administration, with activities designed to raise awareness and encourage cooperation on issues affecting women and girls across Europe.
This year's focus on women in leadership aims to draw attention not only to existing barriers but also to the importance of creating opportunities for women to shape decision-making, influence public policy and inspire the next generation of leaders.
Quotes
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, has stressed “A woman’s place is wherever she chooses to be whether running a company, writing the laws, leading a lab, or pursuing her passion. When we break those ceilings, we don’t just lift women up, we unlock progress for everyone.”
Ahead of the week, Antonella Sberna (ECR, Italy), European Parliament Vice-President responsible for Gender Equality Week, said: “Every generation of women builds on the courage and achievements of those who came before. Our responsibility is to make the path wider for those who will come next.”
Lina Gálvez (S&D, Spain), chair of the Women’s Rights and Gender Equality Committee, added: “True equality isn't achieved by one woman reaching the top, but by every woman lifted up alongside her.”
