Luxembourg is often perceived as a progressive country when it comes to gender equality. Women gained the right to vote in 1919, and abortion was fully legalised in 2014. Yet, recent public debates \u2014 including a controversial opinion piece by Democratic Party politician G\u00e9rard Schockmel claiming that feminism seeks to \u201csystematically discriminate against men\u201d \u2014 have reignited discussions about what modern feminism in Luxembourg really stands for.<\/p>\n
To clarify the movement\u2019s goals, several gender equality advocates in the Grand Duchy shared their perspectives.<\/p>\n
\u201cFeminism is a movement that advocates equality for all genders,\u201d explains Isabelle Schmoetten<\/strong>, head of Women and Gender in Luxembourg (CID Fraen an Gender)<\/em>. Despite Luxembourg\u2019s historical progress, both experts argue that equality has not yet been achieved.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is still a lot of work to be done in the area of gender-based violence,\u201d stresses Schmoetten. Schmoetten highlights concerning reports from frontline workers: women attempting to report rape are sometimes discouraged by police with questions such as \u201cAre you sure you want to do this? You\u2019ll ruin the perpetrator\u2019s life.\u201d<\/em> One of the strongest tools for preventing inequality is early education.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are calling for gender-sensitive education,\u201d says Schmoetten from CNFL. Teaching young people about respect and equality from an early age can shift long-standing norms.<\/p>\n Former CNFL president Claudine Speltz<\/strong> adds that the home environment plays a crucial role: For Milena Steinmetzer<\/strong> of the OGBL union\u2019s women\u2019s department, gender equality must be embedded across government policies. In response to claims that feminism discriminates against men, activists are clear: the goal is equity, not domination.<\/p>\n \u201cThe aim is to dissolve the patriarchy, not replace it,\u201d says Schmoetten. There is no indication, she notes, that Luxembourg is moving toward any form of \u201cextreme feminism\u201d seeking to create a matriarchy.<\/p>\n Speltz reinforces this idea: Men are not only welcome in feminist spaces \u2014 they are essential. \u201cWe need men in the fight for women\u2019s rights,\u201d concludes Schmoetten.<\/p>\n Feminism in Luxembourg today is not a struggle of women against men. It is a human-rights movement focused on equality, respect, and shared responsibility.
For Claudine Speltz<\/strong> from the National Council of Women in Luxembourg (CNFL)<\/em>, the message is even broader: \u201cFeminism is humanism. It\u2019s about ensuring every person can exercise all their rights.\u201d<\/p>\nGender-Based Violence: A Persistent Challenge<\/strong><\/h3>\n
According to activists, violence against women continues to be trivialised, dismissed, or treated as a private matter.<\/p>\n
Such attitudes, she warns, perpetuate social tolerance for abuse.<\/p>\nEducation as a Foundation for Change<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cWhen children see both parents sharing household tasks, that shapes their attitudes about fairness and responsibility.\u201d<\/p>\nA Cross-Government Responsibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cLuxembourg\u2019s Ministry for Equality and Diversity should lead, but all ministries must consider the feminist angle in decision-making,\u201d she argues.<\/p>\nDoes Feminism Oppose Men?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u201cFeminism must include men. Gender equality cannot be achieved without cooperation from all actors.\u201d<\/p>\nWhy Men Matter in the Feminist Movement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Gilbert Pregno<\/strong>, former president of Luxembourg\u2019s Consultative Human Rights Commission, emphasises that equality benefits everyone: breaking rigid gender stereotypes frees men as much as women.<\/p>\n
Despite significant progress, activists agree that challenges remain \u2014 especially in addressing gender-based violence and advancing gender-sensitive education.
The future of feminism in Luxembourg, they argue, depends on collective action from women, men, civil society, and government institutions alike.<\/p>\n