Tribute to Denise Fuchs, former EWL President
[Brussels, 04 December 2012] It is with great sadness that the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) announces the untimely death of its former President Denise FUCHS at her home in France on Saturday 1ST December 2012. Denise was President of the EWL from 1998 to 2003 and one of the founding members of the EWL.
Denise was a dedicated feminist whose ultimate goal was to ensure that the world would also be seen through women’s eyes. She was our heroine who dared to be the first to bring the issues of violence against women and prostitution to the European political table, out of the confines of the home and into the political core of gender equality. She dared to speak out in the political arena against violence as the most visible expression of our patriarchal society, in which there can be no justice for women. These issues continue to be debated today but with a difference – as Denise would say: they are now recognised as obstacles to the empowerment of women.
As President of the European Women’s Lobby, Denise Fuchs was instrumental in bringing the full diversity of women’s interests and concerns into the political arena and in so doing, dispelled the myth that women’s lives have nothing to do with politics. She led the way in developing a strong European women’s movement. Denise’s accomplishments also included her involvement in women’s organisations at national level in France, as President of Grain de Sel, and as President of the French Coordination for the EWL - CLEF.
Denise’s invaluable contribution to European society was recognised in 2006, when she received the Silver Rose award from Solidar, in recognition of her “outstanding work fuelled by vision and tireless commitment and whose achievements have contributed greatly to the struggle for a just and civil society and for giving a voice to women at European level.” Denise also received the Legion of Honnour the highest award for recognition of services rendered to society in France.
Denise Fuchs was a committed feminist and European. Her charismatic and visionary activism leaves a legacy for which her memory will live on.
Thank you, Denise, for giving so much of yourself.
From your friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and those you influenced in many different ways throughout your life.
You will live on in our hearts and our thoughts.
The European Women’s Lobby
