PETRA: “WHEN WE JOIN FORCES, WE CAN TRULY ACHIEVE A FEMINIST FUTURE.”
Petra De Sutter is the Deputy Prime Minister of Belgium. She is also the Belgian Minister for Public Administration, Public Enterprises, Telecommunications and Postal Services. Before getting into politics, Petra worked as a gynecologist and fertility specialist. Petra is a champion for women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights, for refugee rights and for people from the LGBTI community.
What gives you hope for a feminist future?
The energy and the inspiration of young people. So many young people are committed to climate justice and social justice. They are fighting for gender equality. Young people are shaping their own future and making it equal. When we join forces, we can truly achieve a feminist future. This gives me hope that our work for a fair society will only get more support.
Tell us your biggest feminist policy goal in 5 words!
Sexual and reproductive rights for every person.
KIM: “IT’S NOT UP TO INDIVIDUALS TO FIGHT AGAINST INJUSTICES ON THEIR OWN. WE NEED TO CHANGE SOCIETY.”
Kim van Sparrentak is a Dutch politician and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) in the Greens/EFA Group. Kim is a strong advocate for LGBTIQ+ rights and all things related to digital rights and the online space.
What made you start identifying a feminist? Share the story with us!
I started identifying as a feminist when I became active in the Federation of Young European Greens. I realised that women and queer people were facing the same struggles everywhere. This really opened my eyes that it’s a systemic issue. It’s not up to individuals to fight against injustices on their own. We need to change society. When I joined the fight to change patriarchal structures with other intersectional feminists, that’s when I started callling myself a feminist.
Who is your ultimate feminist icon?
Tarana Burke, the person who started the #MeToo movement. For me, Tarana exemplifies a true feminist icon. She has done so much important work in her own community, bringing tangible change to women who suffered from sexual violence. Ultimately, she’s inspired the entire world to speak up.
She became an icon because of hard work and dedication. It really shows that people at all levels can make change in their own communities.
FATIM: “WHEN ATTACKS HAPPEN AGAINST WOMEN IN POLITICS, I MAKE IT A POINT TO SHOW UP AND DEFEND THEM”
Fatim Diarra is the Chair of Helsinki City Council where she advocates for the rights of women and minorities. Her priorities are climate change, education, equality and anti-racism. Fatim is also the Chair of the Feminist Association Unioni, Finland’s oldest women’s rights organisation.
If you could give one piece of advice to make your field of work better for women and gender diverse people, what would it be?
Let’s be there for each other. For me, it is an honor to support and be there for other women and gender diverse people in politics. When coordinated attacks happen against women in politics, I make it a point always to show up and defend my colleagues.
What gives you hope for a feminist future?
Social media! I feel like our collective efforts for feminism are growing as we connect to each other by social media.