From 26-29 January, 22 ambitious women from political parties across Europe came together in Belgium to begin their journey through The Alliance Of Her (AOH) Academy. The Academy is a flagship initiative of ALDE Party, dedicated to empowering liberal women to achieve their political goals, and is the leading programme of its kind in Europe.  

AOH is supporting several Academy programmes throughout 2023, however the ‘Spring Class’, taking place between January and May, will be the biggest, focusing on equipping its members with the tools, strategies and network to ensure they can lead and succeed in politics. The Academy is highly respected for the opportunity it provides to participants to focus in an enabling environment, with inspiring speakers and trainers ready to offer ongoing, personal support and guidance throughout the programme. Participants also benefit from being part of a growing and increasingly influential network of alumnae, who will be present in sessions to share their insights and experiences.  

This first session of the year focused on building political strategies, organising and reflecting on the foundations of successful political leadership.  Moreover, AOH alumna Eva De Bleeker joined on one evening to take part in a fireside chat with participants, where she spoke at length about the challenges she has faced as a woman in political life. 

Alliance Of Her Alumnae Advisory Board member Emma Murphy welcomed the class on the first evening.  

“Members of the Alliance Of Her Alumnae Advisory Board were delighted to welcome the 2023 class to the programme in the Domaine de Ronchinne. The Advisory Board was thrilled to have the opportunity to provide details on what the Board does, answer questions from participants on the Alliance Of Her and to share personal stories of their own journeys since graduating from the programme. The Advisory Board wishes the 2023 class and their trainers well as they begin their Alliance Of Her experience,” declared Murphy. 

The AOH Academy Spring Class will meet for a second session in Vienna in March, where participants will turn their attention to political storytelling and strategic communication. Based on their engagement during session one, the class looks on track to being yet another extraordinary, talented, determined group of female leaders to eventually take their place in the Alliance Of Her community.  

The Alliance Of Her Academy benefits from generous support of our partners, including the European Parliament. As such, all participants must meet strict eligibility criteria, in addition to demonstrating clear leadership talent and ambition. Participants are also informed of the prohibition to run in an election campaign during the academy or up to 12 months after the termination of the program. If this condition is not respected, participants will be required to cover costs independently or with a ‘substantial’ contribution from their political party.