All too often, women are put in the position of feeling as though they need to apologize for their successes. Of deferring to male colleagues and leadership, of having their proven competency overlooked, of being viewed as “bossy” instead of “assertive and confident” when they make their voices heard. Of being doubted or questioned when they voice their concerns and discuss the challenges they face.
For women in EU communications, there’s yet another hurdle — we all know how conservative Brussels can be when it comes to getting creative. Women with forward-thinking ideas often find that key decision-makers just aren’t willing to take the leap and trust their expertise. Too many organizations view comms as an afterthought in the world of public affairs.
But we’re a women-led agency. Women make up the majority of our amazing, kick-ass team. Creative comms are what we do best. If we don’t speak up, address this disparity, and work towards equity, who will?
So we did.
As the first women-focused membership club in Brussels, The Nine turns the concept of the Old Boys’ Club on its head. In other words, it’s the perfect venue for our new Women in Comms and Public Affairs Breakfast Chats.
The concept is simple: we’ve created a safe space in which the Brussels-based community of women in comms can meet, celebrate their achievements, share the challenges they’re facing, and inspire each other to even greater heights.
Our first breakfast this past April was centered around the themes of creative storytelling, strategic communications, AI, and inclusivity in the workplace. Moderated by Savion Ray’s Founder CEO Bisera Savoska and Public Affairs Director Jeta Bejtullahu, the event saw attendees engaged in dynamic discussions about the topics the group as a whole felt were the most pressing.
And we couldn’t be happier to report that it was a resounding success. Our initial breakfast has now become an ongoing series, with a waitlist far exceeding the number of available seats — but there’s another way you can get involved.
EACD — the European Association of Communication Directors — is hosting their annual summit in Brussels on June 8 and 9. We’ll be there, leveraging this prominent event to once again carve out space for women in EU communications and public affairs and highlight the necessity of spotlighting their voices.
This year’s theme explores security, stability, and resilience in today’s unpredictable world. Catch Jeta moderating a panel including NATO Spokesperson Oana Lungescu, UPS Vice President of Corporate Public Affairs Cristina Falcone, and Vodafone Group Head of Public Affairs Erzsebet Fitori. Their discussion on June 9 from 10 to 11am will highlight how women can remain resilient while working in male-dominated sectors and beset by troubling global events such as COVID-19 and the invasion of Ukraine.
The panel will explore the greater demands placed on women in securing their resilience in the pursuit of success and discuss the opportunities for women in leadership roles to effect change. Join Jeta as well as the other panelists for an inspiring, empowering conversation.