Highlights of the Gender Equality Conference in Lucerne

From 24 to 26 October, the Progressive Alliance, in partnership with the Social Democratic Party of Switzerland, brought together ministers, parliamentarians, and leaders of women’s organizations from 47 countries for the international conference Advancing Feminist Political Leadership and Securing Peace. Organized by the Gender Equality Working Group, the meeting addressed the growing backlash against women’s rights and reaffirmed feminist leadership as essential to democratic renewal and collective security.

Opening and Keynote Session

The opening session underscored that equality is not guaranteed and must be continuously defended. Speakers called for unity and conviction in safeguarding democracy and ensuring that freedom, solidarity, and representation remain indivisible. The keynote emphasized that rights once achieved can be lost again, urging stronger alliances between politics and civil society to make equality real in everyday life. Discussions highlighted the need for feminist leadership that goes beyond symbolic inclusion to reshape power, representation, and participation.

Feminist Leadership in Uncertain Times

Early sessions examined how feminist leadership can confront inequality, political violence, and the resurgence of anti-rights movements. Participants stressed that representation alone is insufficient — women must have the safety, resources, and authority to transform political institutions and narratives. Reflections on the history of feminist mobilization reaffirmed that democracy cannot thrive without women’s voices and leadership at every level of decision-making.

Countering Online Gender-Based Violence

The conference addressed the weaponization of digital platforms used to silence women and polarize societies. Online abuse was identified as a structural threat to democratic participation, demanding stronger regulation, accountability, and feminist education. Participants warned of a coordinated backlash against women’s rights and affirmed that equality, democracy, and peace must be defended both offline and online.

Women, Peace, and Security

The final sessions turned reflection into strategy, focusing on women’s participation in peacebuilding and governance across conflict and post-conflict settings. Examples from different regions demonstrated how inclusive diplomacy and gender justice strengthen negotiation processes and rebuild trust in divided societies. Women’s civic networks are already leading reconciliation efforts — proving that sustainable peace must be rooted in equality and inclusion.

Shared Commitments and Progressive Cooperation

The Lucerne Conference concluded with a clear conviction: equality, safety, and representation are inseparable from democracy itself. The Gender Equality Working Group doubled in membership and renewed plans to share information and practices, coordinate solidarity actions against online harassment, and follow up on the Gender Equality Action Plan.

From Lucerne, the Progressive Alliance carries forward a collective mission: to make feminist leadership not a parallel cause, but a driving force for democracy, justice, and human dignity worldwide.