Luxembourg Hosts German-Speaking Meeting on Gender Equality

From Sunday 28 to Monday 29 September 2025, Luxembourg's Minister for Equality and Diversity, Yuriko Backes, hosted her counterparts from German-speaking countries for an informal meeting at Senningen Castle.

According to the Ministry of Equality and Diversity, the meeting was attended by Austria’s Federal Minister for Women, Science and Research, Eva-Maria Holzleitner, Germany’s Federal Minister for Education, Family, Seniors, Women and Youth, Karin Prien, Liechtenstein’s Government Councillor responsible for Society and Justice, Dr Emanuel Schädler, and Stéphanie Lachat, Director of the Swiss Federal Office for Gender Equality.

The Ministry noted that the aim of the meeting was to showcase national projects and initiatives promoting gender equality, to exchange good practices and to identify possible areas for cooperation. The ministers also discussed current projects and approaches aimed at eliminating gender inequalities, as well as ongoing challenges in equality policy.

Minister Backes emphasised that “gender equality is a complex and multifaceted issue which, despite significant progress in recent decades, still faces structural, cultural and political obstacles that make it difficult to achieve true equality.” She also commented on the backlash observed globally, stressing the importance of defending achievements and viewing equality as a shared social responsibility. “A political crisis is enough to turn the clock back several decades: we must not allow ourselves to be pressured and must continue to uphold fundamental rights. Only together can we create a society in Europe and beyond in which equality plays a central role.”

Austrian Federal Minister Eva-Maria Holzleitner underlined: “In view of the increasing global pressure on women’s and human rights, cooperation at European and international level is particularly relevant. Democracy thrives on committed debate and solidarity - as shown by the exchange with my colleagues. Equality is not only a societal task, but also one that transcends borders.”

German Federal Minister Karin Prien stated: “Especially in these times, our international solidarity is crucial. We stand together for open, free democracies and for respect for human rights - and women’s rights are inseparable from these. They are not ornaments, but a cornerstone of our democratic order. Anyone who attacks women’s rights also challenges our democratic values. It is all the more important that we show resilience and act together and decisively for equality and women’s rights.”

Dr Emanuel Schädler highlighted: “Despite certain setbacks in recent times, we must remain optimistic and continue to work to ensure that equality becomes self-evident. As long as every setback is outweighed by one more step forward, progress is being made in the right direction.”

On Monday 29 September 2025, the ministers also visited the National Centre for Victims of Violence (CNVV), which opened in April 2025. The centre welcomes both underage and adult victims of violence and provides professional assistance in various areas. The Ministry underlined that cross-border exchange in victim protection and support remains essential to improving and expanding services.