Barcelona, April 25, 2023 – In anticipation of Europe Day, the European Parliament Office in Barcelona and the European Observatory of Memories of the Solidarity Foundation of the University of Barcelona (EUROM) are proud to announce the inauguration of the exhibition titled “Pioneer Women of the European Union.” This temporary exhibition, featuring portraits by French artist Pierre Marquès, will be held from April 25 to May 11, 2023, at the Historic Building of the University of Barcelona.
The opening of the exhibition will take place on Tuesday, May 2nd, at 12:00 PM, with distinguished guests including the Rector of the University of Barcelona, Joan Guàrdia, the President of the Catalan Institute for Women, Meritxell Benedí, and the Head of the European Parliament Office in Barcelona, Sergi Barrera.
“Pioneer Women of the European Union” pays tribute to ten remarkable women who have significantly contributed to shaping the Europe we know today. Among them are the seven women recognized as “Pioneers of the EU” – Anna Lindh, Marga Klompé, Melina Mercouri, Nicole Fontaine, Nilde Iotti, Simone Veil, and Ursula Hirschmann – as well as the three women after whom buildings of the European Parliament are named – Clara Campoamor Rodríguez, Sophie Schroll, and Louise Weiss.
These extraordinary women, whether fighters of resistance or survivors of the Holocaust, emerged as prominent figures in politics, science, and culture, inspiring the modern-day European Union. Many of them worked tirelessly to eradicate the horrors of two world wars and advocated for the fundamental values of the EU, both within European institutions and through political activism. Some served as Members of the European Parliament, with Veil and Fontaine even presiding over the European Parliament. All of them embodied the European values of equality, liberty, democracy, solidarity, diversity, and respect for human rights.
The content of the exhibition is also available online.
Press release (CAT) – Download
