This past week, Princess Alexandra of Luxembourg celebrated the centenary of women getting the right to vote in Luxembourg by attending an academic session on 22 May.
The Princess was also able to view the exhibit “100 years of feminine democracy” sat front row as speeches were given by the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, Mayor of Luxembourg City, the Minister for Equality between Women and Men, and special guest of honour and expert, Dr Birte Förster. However, Princess Alexandra did not speak but listened intently to the others celebrating 100 years of women voting.
© Grand-Ducal Court / Claude Piscitelli
© Grand-Ducal Court / Claude Piscitelli
Her Royal Highness was joined at the session by Fernand Etgen, President of the Chamber of Deputies; Xavier Bettel, Prime Minister of Luxembourg; Lydie Polfer, Mayor of the City of Luxembourg; Taina Bofferding, Minister for Equality between Women and Men; Colette Flesch, a Luxembourgish politician who has held several roles in Luxembourg and the European Parliament; and Astrid Lulling, former Member of the European Parliament.
© Grand-Ducal Court / Claude Piscitelli
“If we celebrate 100 years of women’s suffrage, it is in honour of those who have engaged in politics, when it was not easy. And then, these festivities also appeal to current and future generations to continue to engage,” the Minister for Equality between Women and Men remarked during the event.
“We must defend the achievements and continue the steps to ensure that women and men enjoy the same rights in the texts and in the facts on a daily basis.”
© Grand-Ducal Court / Claude Piscitelli
© Grand-Ducal Court / Claude Piscitelli
According to the government of Luxembourg, the event “was intended as a reminder of the struggles to ensure equality between women and men and a call for continued efforts at all levels.”
Luxembourg was one of the first nations to grant women the right to vote. They gained that right on 15 May 1919 through the revising of Article 52 of the Constitution. The country is hosting several events to mark the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage.
© Grand-Ducal Court / Claude Piscitelli
Princess Alexandra’s next official engagement will take place from 27 to 30 May in Budva, Montenegro, where the royal will be there to support Luxembourgish athletes competing in the 17th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe (GSSE).
The Princess, 28, will attend the opening ceremony, various competitions, and reception given in honour of the Luxembourgish delegation.
