At the initiative of Her Excellency Madam Tokozile Xasa, Ambassador of the Republic of South Africa to the Kingdom of Belgium, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and the European Union, a high-level roundtable was held in Brussels to mark the International Day of Women’s Rights.
The event, themed “Women as Architects of Constitutional Democracy,” brought together senior political, diplomatic and academic figures to explore the pivotal role women play in consolidating democratic institutions, fostering inclusive governance and strengthening social cohesion.
Ambassador Xasa emphasised that gender equality cannot remain a mere principle enshrined in legal texts. She stated that it must translate into concrete realities in the daily lives of citizens: access to employment, meaningful participation in public decision-making, the fight against discrimination, and full recognition of women’s contribution to societal development.
Participants highlighted that, in an era of profound global transformation, female leadership has become an essential lever for bolstering democratic stability and forging lasting cross-continental partnerships between Africa and Europe.
The discussions resonated strongly with Belgian realities. Speakers stressed the importance of promoting equal opportunities, supporting women’s engagement in public and economic life, and ensuring the effective participation of all citizens in democratic processes.
The roundtable concluded with a shared conviction that democratic progress rests on trust, inclusion and collective responsibility. Both South African and European participants pledged to continue advancing women’s leadership in constitutional democracy, both domestically and on the international stage.
