Leading Change: Women in Politics for an Inclusive Future
This initiative has been designed to empower and amplify the voices of young women across Italy and Greece. This campaign is not just about lowering the candidacy age—it is a movement to reshape how we view leadership and inclusion in politics.
About the Campaign
“Leading Change: Women in Politics for an Inclusive Future” is a comprehensive initiative addressing the systemic barriers that prevent young women from entering political spaces. These barriers include:
- Age restrictions: In Italy and Greece, the minimum candidacy age is 25, effectively excluding a significant portion of young leaders.
- Cultural and social biases: Entrenched stereotypes about gender and age often marginalize young women.
- Institutional challenges: Limited access to mentorship and political literacy resources hinders participation.
This campaign seeks to dismantle these obstacles through education, advocacy, and community-building efforts that equip young women to lead with confidence and impact.
Our Vision
We envision a Euro-Mediterranean region where:
– Young women are at the forefront of political leadership.
– Policies reflect the diverse voices and experiences of society.
– Democracy is inclusive, empowering all individuals to participate and lead.
This campaign aims to create an ecosystem where young women not only imagine themselves as leaders but actively shape policies and transform institutions.
Our Objectives
1. Lower the minimum candidacy age to 18 in Italy and Greece, aligning these countries with broader EU norms.
2. Promote youth engagement in politics through accessible resources and mentorship programs.
3. Foster a culture of inclusivity by elevating voices from marginalized communities.
4. Create sustainable communities of practice to support long-term leadership development among young women.
The Four Pillars of Change
Education is the foundation of empowerment. We offer:
– Digital literacy tools that simplify complex political systems.
– Explainer videos and infographics that demystify political processes.
– A digital mentorship program connecting aspiring young leaders with experienced politicians and civic leaders.
Our educational resources focus on building confidence, advocacy skills, and a deep understanding of democratic systems.
Community is at the heart of this campaign. We create spaces where young women can:
– Share experiences and learn from one another.
– Participate in social media challenges, live Q&A sessions, and peer-to-peer discussions.
– Build networks that provide emotional support and collective action opportunities.
We transform awareness into action by:
– Mobilizing young women to support policy reforms, such as lowering the candidacy age.
– Organizing digital lobbying campaigns
– Facilitating consultations with policymakers to amplify youth voices.
Communication is a powerful tool for change. We use:
– Storytelling to highlight the experiences of young women leaders.
– Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube to deliver engaging, shareable content.
– Multilingual strategies to ensure accessibility and inclusivity.
Stories of Change
Meet Young Female Leaders
Get Involved
We invite you to be part of this transformative movement. Here’s how you can contribute! Together, we can build a future where every young woman knows her voice counts and her leadership is essential.
REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED.
Are you a young woman aged 18–29 who dreams of entering politics but feels overwhelmed by the barriers, unsure where to begin, or simply looking for guidance to turn your passion into action?
EDUXO is launching its Mentorship Programme as part of the Leading Change: Women in Politics for an Inclusive Future campaign — designed to support young women in taking their first steps towards active, informed, and inclusive political participation.
🤝 The programme connects young activists, students, and aspiring leaders with experienced mentors from political institutions, civil society, and advocacy spaces, offering:
– One-on-one and group mentoring sessions
– Practical tools for political leadership
– Safe spaces to share challenges, visions, and strategies
– Opportunities to build a European network of young women driving change
💬 We believe every young woman deserves the chance to learn from those who’ve paved the way, and to shape a political future that is fairer, more diverse, and truly representative.
📢 Applications for mentees are open until 15 July 2025: CLICK HERE!
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
Are you a woman with experience in politics, activism, advocacy or public leadership?
🌍 EDUXO is looking for mentors to join our Mentorship Programme as part of the campaign Leading Change: Women in Politics for an Inclusive Future, aimed at empowering young women aged 18–29 to actively participate in political life and become agents of inclusive change.
🤝 As a mentor, you will:
Support the personal and political growth of a young woman through 1-to-1 or group sessions
Share your journey, challenges, and lessons learned
Help her navigate political spaces with confidence and purpose
Join a community committed to feminist, intersectional, and youth-led change
✨ We are especially looking for mentors with experience in:
Local, national, or EU-level politics
Civil society and activism
Gender equality and youth empowerment
Public policy, communication, or campaigning
🕒 The mentorship cycle will start in July 2025 with a light time commitment and flexible format.
Interested in supporting the next generation of women in politics? Apply to become a mentor today and be part of a community building a more inclusive democracy.
APPLICATIONS FOR MENTORS ARE OPEN UNTIL JULY 15. SIGN UP HERE!
Join us in pushing for legislative reforms like #YouthPowerEU to lower the minimum candidacy age to run as a candidate in Italy and Greece for European Parliamentary Elections 2029!
Attend the next events of Leading Change: Women in Politics for an Inclusive Future, thanks to the Events Series #LeadLikeHer.
WE’RE SORRY, OUR EVENTS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED RESPECTIVELY IN STRASBOURG (JUNE 2025) AS A SIDE IN-PERSON EVENT AT THE EYE2025 (EUROPEAN YOUTH EVENT, EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT) AND ONLINE (JULY 2025).
Inspire others by sharing how you are leading change in your community and become a #YouthPowerEU Ambassador if you live in Italy or Greece! If you’re interested please contact Gabriele Marenchino (gabriele.marenchino@eduxo.it)
Long Term Vision
Our events
Friday, 13 June 2025 | 17:00
European Parliament, Strasbourg – Side Event at the European Youth Event (#EYE2025)
Mark your calendars for an unmissable moment at the European Youth Event 2025! On Friday afternoon, the Advocacy Corner by Eduxo will open its doors for a special side event bringing together four Members of the European Parliament, each representing a different political group, for an open and dynamic exchange with you – the future young female leaders of Europe.
This unique gathering will be a space to ask questions, share your ideas, and discuss the challenges and opportunities for women in politics. From local activism to European decision-making, you will hear first-hand how diverse political perspectives approach gender equality, youth participation, and leadership, and how your voice can influence change.
Whether you are already active in youth movements, considering a career in public service, or simply curious to understand how EU institutions work from the inside, this session will give you valuable insights and practical inspiration. You’ll also have the chance to network with like-minded participants from across Europe, exchange experiences, and discover how to get involved in shaping the policies that matter to you.
No registration is needed – just come as you are, take your place, and be ready to join a vibrant discussion that celebrates women’s leadership and the power of youth in politics. Together, let’s imagine and build a more inclusive and representative Europe.
Speakers:
- Isabella Sofia De Gregorio (Executive Director, EDUXO)
- Silvia Carocci (EU Advocacy Lead, EDUXO)
- Marta Nardini (EU Advocacy & Project Officer, EDUXO)
- Mirella Peri (Young female politician)
- Eleonora Santonocito (Young female politician)
- Chiara Merlin (Young female politician)
- SURPRISE – 4 Female MEPs from 4 different countries and political groups.
Wednesday, 30th July 2025 (Online) – Leading Change: Empower, Connect, Lead | Workshop & Mentorship programme kick off (18.30-20.30 CEST). Mandatory registration
- Break down persistent gender stereotypes in political spaces;
- Shed light on the structural and cultural barriers preventing young women from entering and thriving in politics;
- Elevate stories of resistance, leadership, and transformation, shared by women who are already reshaping politics from within and outside institutions;
- Offer concrete strategies, tools, and peer connections to spark engagement and support future political participation.
- Young leaders challenging the status quo from within;
- Grassroots activists advocating for feminist, anti-racist, and inclusive policies;
- Researchers and experts in gender studies, political science, and civic engagement.
- Dr. Barbara De Micheli – PhD, Coordinator of the Social Justice area and lead of the Diversity Management and Gender Equality Master’s programme at the Giacomo Brodolini Foundation
- Debora Striani – Assembly Vice President +Europa, Member of the Directorate Radicali, Member of the Secretariat JEF Italy
- Suzana Carp – Co-founder of Cleantech for CEE, Senior Policy Advisor for the EU climate and energy debate, lead candidate for the EP Election 2024 with Volt
- Brit Anlar – PhD, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Amsterdam | Department of Political Science
- Alexandra Mina – Activist, Roadto50%
- Isabella Sofia De Gregorio, Executive Director of EDUXO, grassroot activist and young leader.
Mentorship Programme #LeadLikeHer
These women said YES to mentorship, meet the #LeadLikeHer mentors!
Some data about the mentorship programme
Country of the applicants (mentees):
- 21.2% Italy
- 7.6% Germany
- 7.6% Greece
- 7.6% Spain
- 6.1% South Africa
- 6.1% France
- 7.6% Belgium
- 3% Nigeria
- 6.1% Algeria
- 3% Hungary
- 1.5% Australia
- 3% Egypt
- 3% Sweden
- 3% Cyprus
- 3% Georgia
- 1.5% United Kingdom
- 1.5% Tunisia
- 1.5% Morocco
Number of people selected for the mentorship programme: 28
Total initial applicants: 78
Number of mentees per mentor: 2/3
Languages covered: English, Dutch, Italian, French, Spanish, Arabic, Romanian, German, Swedish
Age of the applicants (mentees):
- 18: 13.1%
- 19: 8.2%
- 20: 18%
- 21: 9.8%
- 22: 13.1%
- 23: 6.6%
- 24: 13.1%
- 25: 8.2%
- 26: 6.6%
- 27: 1.6%
- 28: 1%
Identity of the applicants (mentees):
- 78.7% Cisgender woman
- 13.1% Non binary
- 4.9% Prefer not to say
- 3.3% Trans woman
Inclusivity – categories represented (mentees):
- People with immigrant parents
- Migrants
- Underrepresented ethnic minorities
- BiPoC individuals
- LGBTIQA+ community
- Global South & Arab region
- Disability
- Socioeconomic disadvantage
- Remote and internal areas
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