What Moderating a 'Mothers of Europe' Event Taught Me About Empowerment

Whose voices are missing from our European story??What stories need to be told to inspire a better, more equitable future? Hosting a Mothers of Europe event at ESMT Berlin on Monday evening was an eye-opener to me.

When I was asked to moderate the event, I wasn’t familiar with Nelly Sachs or Ursula Hirschmann—two remarkable women honored as Mothers of Europe. Neither had I heard of many of the organizations or initiatives that fight for a better future that were mentioned during the discussion.

Mothers of Europe?is an initiative spearheaded in Germany by the Alliance4Europe . It aims at highlighting the often-overlooked women in our recent history who have shaped and continue to influence Europe with its democratic values and shared identity through exhibitions, publications, and events across Europe.

Monday's event with its keynote and two panel discussions focused on two powerful themes: Empowerment and Storytelling.?Empowerment, at its core, is about knowing ourselves—our history, our position, and our values—and using that knowledge to lift others up. Storytelling and language are crucial tools in this process.?

?? Empowerment Begins Within: Knowing Ourselves

Empowerment starts with self-knowledge—understanding where we come from and how our experiences shape us. We are born into certain social, economic, or gendered position, and we choose our ideas, beliefs, and solidarities.?Our so-called positionality, inherited and chosen, influences how we engage with the world and how we show up each day.

Reflecting on our past is crucial for true self-knowledge and a sense of empowerment to emerge. As Maya Angelou wisely said, 'You can't really know where you are going until you know where you have been.'

Once we understand ourselves, our origins and our potential, we can begin to shape how we share our experiences with the world. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through the stories we tell.

?? The Power of Language and Storytelling

Language, can disrupt, empower, and create space for new possibilities. Language shapes both personal identities and collective narratives. The words and labels we choose can either uplift or divide. Our task is to ensure that language is used as a tool for empowerment and unity.?(Credit to Aileen McKay for these insights.)

Using inclusive language, such as 'they' instead of 'he or she' to bring more people in or being specific *using 'Black African American' instead of 'person of color' to honor the uniqueness of individuals, can make a real difference.

Language can also challenge norms. Referring to a 'male professor' to balance how we often use 'female professor,' which implicitly positions women as a subcategory, can help reshape our mental models and break down stereotypes that persist in academia and beyond.

Furthermore, language can expose mechanisms of inequity. For example, using 'minoritized ethnicity' instead of 'minority ethnicity' emphasizes that a group's minority status results from socio-political processes rather than an inherent fact.

Telling stories through the use of language is particularly empowering. The Mothers of Europe initiative exemplifies the power of storytelling. By highlighting the stories of eighteen women who have shaped European history, it honors their contributions and reminds us of the importance of diverse voices.

?? Collective Action: Shaping Our Future Together

The final discussion topic that stood out to me was the value of collective action.?

Empowerment is not something achieved in isolation. It happens when individuals join institutional efforts, share their personal stories and together take action to shape the world they want to live in.

Hannah Arendt’s philosophy teaches us that civic engagement is the truest source of power based on "the human ability not just to act but to act in concert", exerting influence "so long as the group keeps together".?

Final Reflections on (Self-)Empowerment: Language, Storytelling, and Civic Engagement

I entered the Mothers of Europe event with curiosity and left feeling an even stronger sense of responsibility. Three specific key insights on continuing the journey of empowerment stood out to me:

1. ??? Power of language and storytelling: Sharing our stories empowers us and those around us. We need to create more spaces for storytelling, where every voice is heard, and biases are challenged.
2. ??? Responsibility of those with a voice: Not everyone understands the value of their own story (yet, and not everyone has learned to self-empower or speak up). It's up to those of us who do to amplify these voices using our platforms and to create room at the table.
3. ?? Significance of civic engagement: Empowerment magnifies when people come together to align their visions and ideas with others. We need to break down barriers to participation and provide greater visibility to existing collectives that are ready to be joined.

After this event, I feel deeply empowered and driven to foster spaces where all stories can be told and heard, to engage in and facilitate safe, inclusive community dialogue, and to contribute my energy and passion to powerful collectives that shape our future - all of which are?foundational elements of inclusive leadership by the way.?

?? What story from our or your past could change someone's future, if shared? What additional voices will you invite to the table in the future??What collective for change are you a part of?

The Mothers of Europe initiative embodies the beauty of bold, inclusive leadership and the power of collective action. The stories remind us that shaping the future is an ongoing process, requiring courage to face uncomfortable truths, reflection on values and perspectives, and a commitment to a world where all voices are heard, valued, and represented.?

Empowerment is a shared journey, and every voice matters.