We met with representatives from the European Parliament’s Anti-Racism & Diversity Intergroup (ARDI), including Jelena Jovanovic (ARDI Coordinator), who outlined ARDI’s priorities around promoting diversity, combatting racialization, and addressing unequal power dynamics in political debate.
We also exchanged with Lucia Demeny (European Women’s Lobby Policy Officer) and representatives from DG JUST, the Fundamental Rights Agency (FRA), and other partners to strengthen networks and share practical approaches to inclusive advocacy.
Our takeaways:
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Bodily autonomy and the right to abortion are fundamental human rights, not a health issue, and they must be an integral part of the European Fundamental Charter on Human Rights.
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Women's rights must be built on an intersectional approach such as the full endorsement of the EU strategy on LGBTQIA+ rights alongside the EU's strategy on gender equality.
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Centring social inclusion and diversity in EU minority-rights work: policies must be informed by lived experience and co-designed with those affected.
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ARDI’s briefing reinforced the urgent need to combat racialization and rebalance unequal power dynamics in political discourse and policymaking.
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Practical advocacy tools from the MARIO training (how to engage decision-makers, craft concise messages) will be integrated into Reka Si’s follow-up briefings and community work.
We thank the MRG / MARIO team for organising and coordinating this programme, and all partners who shared time and expertise. The contacts and lessons from Brussels will directly inform Reka Si’s ongoing advocacy within womxn to womxn: intercultural forces.
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