The Endorsement Ceremony Equality between women and men is a founding pillar of the EU way of life. On 7th March 2025, the Commission adopted the Roadmap for Women's Rights, which includes a Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society. This Declaration has the ambition to become a guiding compass for policymakers and a reference point for stakeholders. Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib invited interested parties, including other EU institutions, Member States, civil society organisations and other relevant actors to endorse the Declaration. The Roadmap’s endorsement ceremony, organised by the Commission on 16th October 2025 in Brussels, brings together different parties that have expressed support for the objectives of the Roadmap. It creates an opportunity to express commitment to concrete actions and collaboration to reach tangible impact. SpeechesSee the video See the gallery Declaration for a gender-equal societyEndorsed in Brussels on 16 October 2025 Thursday 16 October 2025at 15h00Bibliothèque SolvayLeopoldpark, Rue Belliard 137, 1040 Brussels Agenda 15:00 – 15:30 Ceremonial showcase of support for the Roadmap Symbolic signature and photo opportunity with Commissioner Lahbib for EU institutions and Member StatesSocial media doorstep interviewsWelcome coffee15:30 – 16:00 Opening addresses Hadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, European CommissionNataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of SloveniaPina Picierno, Vice-President, European ParliamentMagnus Johannes Heunicke, Minister for Environment and Gender Equality, Denmark16:00 – 16:15Family photo16:15 – 17:00Panel: achieving a gender-equal society - turning the Roadmap’s women’s rights principles into a realityCarlien Scheele, Director, European Institute for Gender EqualityMary Collins, Secretary General, European Women’s LobbyJoe Cerrell, Managing Director, Europe, Middle East, and East Asia, Gates FoundationRick Zednik, Senior Advisor & Secretary of the Board, Women Political Leaders17:00 – 17:10Concluding remarksRoxana Mînzatu, Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness, European CommissionHadja Lahbib, Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, European Commission17:10-17:35Musical performanceby Belgian singer-songwriter Sarina17:35-19:00Reception
Equality between women and men is a founding pillar of the EU way of life. On 7th March 2025, the Commission adopted the Roadmap for Women's Rights, which includes a Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society. This Declaration has the ambition to become a guiding compass for policymakers and a reference point for stakeholders. Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib invited interested parties, including other EU institutions, Member States, civil society organisations and other relevant actors to endorse the Declaration. The Roadmap’s endorsement ceremony, organised by the Commission on 16th October 2025 in Brussels, brings together different parties that have expressed support for the objectives of the Roadmap. It creates an opportunity to express commitment to concrete actions and collaboration to reach tangible impact.
