On 6-9 July, the Alliance of Her held its first summer retreat, gathering passionate young women in politics from across Europe. 

The retreat brought together 20 young female liberal leaders under 30, representing 20 liberal parties from 16 countries at the Domaine de Ronchinne in Belgium. Engaging sessions were led by experts including Estonian Member of Parliament Yoko Alender, from ALDE Party member Reformierakond, as well as several guest speakers. 

The retreat provided the up-and-coming, ambitious young women the chance to share ideas, insights and common challenges with like-minded women in politics, and reflect on and develop their plans and aspirations in a supportive and enabling environment.  

Over the course of the session, participants explored strategies and techniques on political leadership, storytelling, values-based leadership, crafting political brands, strategic communications, public speaking, positive psychology and resilience. 

Participants had the opportunity to experience the Alliance Of Her and consider putting themselves forward for the full academy series – places in which are becoming even more sought after following the programme’s considerable successes since launching in 2016.  

Photos from the retreat are available on Flickr.

Our Alliance Of Her summer youth retreat has just come to a close! An incredible, empowering weekend for these 20 young women in politics from across Europe - check out more photo highlights on Flickr 📷 https://t.co/lHaEjM9lfu#SheWillBeHeard pic.twitter.com/Gsri90qYf7

— The Alliance of Her (@AllianceOfHer) July 10, 2023

The Alliance Of Her 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 are required to cover costs independently or with a ‘substantial’ contribution from their political party.