Brussels, 18 November 2024 - The European Parliamentary Forum on Sexual and Reproductive Rights (EPF) is pleased to announce the election of Hon. Guillaume Gouffier-Valente (France) as its new President. His appointment, alongside the election of two Vice Presidents and new Executive Committee members, marks a renewed commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across Europe and beyond.
On 18 November, during the EPF Executive Council meeting, Hon. Gouffier-Valente expressed gratitude to his colleagues for entrusting him with this responsibility and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting SRHR as a fundamental human right.
“Defending sexual and reproductive rights is essential, especially as anti-choice movements continue to grow within our European societies and beyond,” said Hon. Gouffier-Valente.
With a strong feminist diplomacy supported by France, Hon. Gouffier-Valente's presidency will prioritise three key areas:
- Engaging European parliaments to champion and defend SRHR;
- Strengthening EPF’s representation in international forums;
- Expanding the network and visibility of EPF.
Hon. Gouffier-Valente will be joined by two newly elected Vice Presidents:
- Hon. Goedele Liekens (Belgium), Senator: Psychologist with a PhD in sexology from the Catholic University of Louvain, Goedele has a unique background combining academia, activism, and media. As a former MP and now a Senator in the Belgian Parliament, she has long been a vocal advocate for SRHR. Leveraging her media experience as a television presenter and columnist, Goedele has called for an “army of influencers” to engage men and boys in the fight for gender equality and progressive rights.
- Hon. Joanna Scheuring-Wielgus (Poland), Member of the European Parliament: Activist, sociologist, and cultural manager with over 12 years of experience as a parliamentarian in Poland. A former Minister of Culture in Poland, Joanna has organised numerous seminars, protests, and campaigns, many in collaboration with EPF since 2016. Her work exemplifies her commitment to promoting human rights and ensuring equitable access to SRHR across Europe.
The EPF’s mission will be further strengthened by the newly elected Executive Committee:
- Hon. Arsen Torosyan, MP (Armenia)
- Hon. Henrike Brandstötter, MP (Austria)
- Hon. Morgana Daniele, MP (Lithuania)
- Hon. Wanda Nowicka, MP (Poland)
- Hon. Catalin D. Tenita, MP (Romania)
- Hon. Susana Ros, MP (Spain)
- Hon. Lia Quartapelle, MP (Italy)
- Lindsay Northover, Baroness (United Kingdom)
The EPF warmly thanks Hon. Petra Bayr (Austria), the outgoing President, for her exemplary leadership during her two mandates and looks forward to continuing to collaborate and work together to advance sexual and reproductive health.
