On 4 February 2026, the European Parliament in Brussels will host a key public event within the framework of the CERV-funded project Voices of Change (VOC), bringing together young women with migrant backgrounds, European institutions and civil society actors for an open dialogue on democracy, inclusion, gender equality and human rights.
The event is organised by the Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce (CCBI) and hosted by Pina Picierno, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and represents a major milestone of the project: the public presentation of the policy recommendations developed by the European Consultative Body of Voices of Change.
Over the past months, 84 young women from more than 15 European countries, including young women with migrant backgrounds and local peers, have worked together within the project to reflect on their lived experiences and translate them into concrete policy proposals. Through workshops, debates and collective drafting sessions, participants explored the structural barriers they face and identified priorities for more inclusive and equitable public policies across Europe.
During the event, young representatives of the European Consultative Body will present their recommendations to European decision-makers, focusing on four key policy areas:
- Gender equality, with particular attention to personal autonomy, family culture and gender roles
- Social inclusion, addressing legal status, citizenship, access to rights and civic participation
- Intercultural change, tackling stereotypes, structural barriers and access to opportunities in education and the labour market
- Youth empowerment, focusing on education, decent work, mental well-being and safe spaces for expression
The agenda will also feature institutional contributions highlighting the European Union’s commitment to youth participation and inclusive policymaking. Confirmed speakers include:
- Pina Picierno, Vice-President of the European Parliament
- Giorgio De Bin, Secretary General, Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce
- Srd Kisevic, Deputy Head of Unit, Citizens and EU Values, EACEA
- Katja Lenzing, Deputy Head of Unit for Gender Equality, DG JUST, European Commission
- Giulio Venneri, Deputy Head of Unit for Enlargement Strategy and Coordination, DG ENEST, European Commission
- Fatin B., Project Manager, Belgian-Italian Chamber of Commerce
An open exchange between young participants and institutional representatives will follow, offering space for dialogue on how youth-led recommendations can inform future European policies.
Voices of Change is a European project aimed at strengthening the civic engagement of young women with migrant backgrounds by promoting their active participation in policymaking processes at local, national and European level. Through the creation of a European Consultative Body, the project provides a structured and inclusive space where young women’s perspectives are not only heard, but translated into policy-oriented outcomes.
The Brussels event marks a significant step in bringing these voices into the heart of European institutions and reaffirming the importance of a democracy that reflects Europe’s diversity.
📍 European Parliament, Brussels
📅 4 February 2026
We look forward to sharing reflections and outcomes from this important moment in the coming days.
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