This weekend, the first session of the Alliance Of Her Academy 2026 took place in the province of Namur. A major European programme, run by the ALDE Party, which trains and supports women engaged in politics, in which Victoria Vandeberg is taking part this year, representing the MR.
For four days, the Château de Ronchinne hosted the first session of the Alliance Of Her Academy 2026, a European programme dedicated to strengthening women's leadership in politics, made up of one woman from each liberal party across the countries of the Union. Seminars, training, exchanges and inspiring encounters shaped this weekend in the heart of Wallonia.
Run by the ALDE Party, the Alliance Of Her is today one of the leading European programmes for training and supporting women in politics. Its aim is clear: remove obstacles, open doors and strengthen career paths that these women are fully capable of leading themselves.
It thus offers tools, a framework for exchange and a network that enable women already engaged to strengthen their position, broaden their impact and navigate demanding political environments more effectively.
Every year, this academy brings together women from liberal parties across Europe, determined to engage, progress and make their voices heard. Beyond the training, a genuine European network is being built, fostering the exchange of experiences and best practices among participants.
Among the highlights of this first session, participants were able to speak with Liesje Schreinemacher, former Dutch minister and alumna of the programme, who shared her journey and lessons learned, offering a concrete illustration of both the challenges and opportunities that mark a political career.
"I'm delighted to join the 2026 cohort of this European programme, a genuine platform for exchange between committed women from liberal parties across Europe, and proud to represent the MR there.
I'm excited to compare experiences with counterparts from across Europe, because these encounters are valuable for fostering open-mindedness, sharing best practices and keeping alive, together, the European values that unite us," says Victoria Vandeberg, Mayor of Jalhay and federal MP.
Through this participation, the MR is fully embracing a European drive to strengthen women's place in politics. Because beyond individual paths, it is the quality of our democracies that is at stake: promoting women's leadership means enriching decision-making and ensuring fairer representation of society.
Since its creation, the Alliance Of Her has already supported several hundred women across Europe, many of whom now hold leading political positions. This network is an essential lever for encouraging engagement, removing obstacles and sustainably supporting women's political careers.
The next session will take place in Riga in June, continuing this European drive of learning, cooperation and shared political ambition.
