CEC European Managers advocates for moving beyond unconscious bias at Women in Brussels Connect 2024

Brussels hosted the Women in Brussels Connect 2024, a unique gathering organised by the Communication Agency Savion Ray dedicated to celebrating women in European Affairs.

The event united diverse women-led organisations, networks, and professionals across Brussels and Europe, creating a dynamic space for connection, empowerment, and inspiration.

The day was marked by thought-provoking panel discussions featuring accomplished women leaders from various sectors, including politics, technology, and communications, based in Brussels.

These empowered women shared their professional journeys, highlighting their accomplishments and the collective effort toward gender equality in the workplace.

Each speaker brought a unique perspective, shedding light on the importance of mentorship, inclusivity, and community-building among women professionals.

Women in Brussels Connect 2024 highlights

The event promised more than just networking; it offered a comprehensive exploration of the organisations and networks spearheaded by women in Brussels.

Attendees could connect with like-minded professionals, learn about initiatives led by participating groups, and explore potential collaborations.

Among the highlighted organizations was Clusity – Women in Tech Community, known for its ambassadorship programs.

The organisation brings together women in technology and advocates for increased representation and support for women in tech. Clusity aims to build a community where women in tech feel supported and empowered to thrive.

Another distinctive organisation at the event was The Nine, a space dedicated to fostering connections and skill development for women.

Emphasizing that their initiatives go beyond “karaoke and cocktails,” The Nine offers public speaking courses, panel discussions, and workshops.

Our mission is to champion women from all walks of life. We see ourselves as sisters in arms united in the pursuit of gender equality.

The Nine

Brussels Binder also took the floor at the event. Since its establishment in 2017, Brussels Binder has positioned itself as a critical resource for women experts, actively promoting inclusion and equity on panels and public forums.

We are beyond a database; we’re actively filling the representation gap and promoting women as key voices in public discourse.

Brussels Binder

Tamara Makoni, a member of this organization, will join CEC European Managers and other stakeholders, managers, and decision-makers as a panelist at the Beyond Unconscious Bias final conference. We will organise it in Brussels on 27 November, and more information will be shared soon.

Another organisation aiming to nurture female leadership through one-on-one mentoring, leadership development programs, and a focus on personal growth, particularly for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths (STEAM) fields, is Professional Women International (PWI).

We believe that personal development is crucial to fostering strong female leaders in a male-dominated world.

Professional Women International (PWI)

Finally, the W100 platform explained how its approach celebrates the achievements of 100 women in social projects. W100 emphasizes diversity as a strength and social action as a positive force.

Their recent social media campaign, which featured these inspirational women, has garnered widespread attention.

Our cornerstone is inclusivity, and our goal is to spotlight women as pivotal players in shaping Brussels’ future

w100

European leaders and managers

Representing CEC European Managers, Director Olga Molina and Communications Officer Pere Vilanova actively participated in the event to disseminate and advocate for the  European initiative “Beyond Unconscious Bias“, the groundbreaking EU project aimed at fostering awareness and addressing implicit biases within managerial contexts.

In several interactions, Molina and Vilanova outlined the project’s scope and significance, emphasizing managers’ crucial role in steering organisations towards inclusivity and equality.

They also underscored the project’s mission to go beyond superficial diversity measures and explore concrete strategies for creating bias-free work environments.

It is vital that managers understand the impact of unconscious biases on their teams and workplaces. This project is a tool for both reflection and action, empowering leaders to drive real change.

Olga Molina

Director at CEC European Managers

A Shared Commitment to Equality and Inclusivity

As the event concluded, participants reflected on the impactful day. The common message was clear: women in Brussels are not competitors but collaborators, working together to achieve a shared vision of gender equality, inclusion, and empowerment.

“We are here to create a lasting partnership, not just for today, but for the future,” said one attendee. This sentiment resonated across the room.

Women in Brussels are not competitors but collaborators

To sum up, Women in Brussels Connect 2024 offered a remarkable platform for attendees to continue their conversations, forge new connections, and commit to ongoing collaboration.

For those passionate about European affairs, female leadership, and creating a more inclusive workplace, Women in Brussels Connect 2024 served as a powerful reminder of the strength that comes from unity and the importance of advocating for a brighter, more equitable future for all.

As a European Commission social partner, CEC European Mangers believes, EU leaders must make their voices heard and champion leadership and equality struggles.