On March 3, WomensBizz members met for an inspiring excursion to the European Parliament where we were invited by Corien Wortmann, EPP-ED (CDA) member.

A group of 10 WomensBizz members gathered on March 3, 2009 at noon for an inspiring excursion to the European Parliament and lunch meeting with Corien Wortmann.

Corien is a member of the European Parliament for the EPP-ED/CDA (Christian-Democratic Party) since 2004. Currently in the Parliament, Corien is vice-president of the Committee on International Trade, and is member of the Committee on Transport and Tourism and of the Committee on Women's rights and Gender equality. Next to this, she is a member of the delegation for Japan and the Gulf States. Corien is vice-president of the EPP. She is member of the presidency of the EPP's SME-Union and president of the SME-women.

The discussion during lunch focussed on getting more background on the tasks of a Parliament member as well as on the decision making processes. We specifically discussed on the topic when Europe should pose guidelines and directives and when it should not interfere with the principles of free market dynamics. In this period of economically difficult times, we as international entrepreneurs, feel the pressure of restrictions as posed by banks, export organisations and insurance companies, on our possibilities for export opportunities. ‘Buy American’ type of policies is the last we should support, as we all merit from a free and open market. Good infrastructure throughout Europe is a key element for a swift repair of the economy. The arguments of the advantages of one Euro for our economy, as stated by Corien, was fully supported by the WomensBizz gathering.

The topic of how decision making processes work in the European Parliament was an eye-opener. The openness in which Corien shared her experiences is remarkable. The need to balance between country policies, party politics and European needs and ideologies, leads to an exciting working environment. It is easy to say that taxation money is wasted on the complicated structures and treaties that form the European Parliament but we tend to forget the added value of one strong Europe, specifically on the economical and climatology aspects of our daily lives, both private and business-wise.

As Corien is also member of the jury which selects the Business Women of the Year Prize, we asked to put more focus on the positive view of female entrepreneurship. We often feel that the gender discussion is focussing on the problems : the glass ceiling, lack of child care solutions, lack of quota as reasons for the low percentage of women at the top. Whereas we experience dynamic women, exploiting their talents to the maximum, opening the way for young entrepreneurs and business women to find their own career path. Focussing more on the positive aspects of women in business will enthusiasm young girls from childhood on to cultivate their talents automatically leading to more diversity in the business environment.

After our exquisite lunch, we were invited for a small tour around the building. We saw the large meeting room, seating 785 members in 23 languages. We were even guided to the small offices and were informed about the hectic working schedule between Brussels and Strassbourg.

The afternoon was concluded by a brisk guided walk through the centre of Brussels and a sympathetic dinner in The Cirio, one of many the famous Brussels cafés.

link naar de site van Corien Wortmann