On April 22-23, 2015, a group of fourteen students from the Department of Political Science visited European institutional headquarters to learn more about decision making processes regarding gender politics, from ensuring equal representation in elected positions to social and labor policies.
Accompanied by Professor Emiliana De Blasio and Dott.essa Noemi Trino, students from the master's course in Media, Gender and Politics visited the European Parliament where they observed sessions and asked questions about the mechanisms of legislation as well as the composition and work of the commissions. "Even political science students have trouble understanding how international instutitions are organized or how they work," said International Relations student Veronica Lisio. "This trip helped us to understand the practical side of politics and all the work that is involved in each sector. It's a fascinating world where you can find extremely motivated people who are proud of the work they do."
Later that day, the students also had a special meeting with the European Women's Lobby (EWL) and the Women's Rights and Gender Equality Commission (FEMM) that promote and protect women's rights and equal opportunity policies. "Meeting different representatives and learning about the lives of people who have spent their lives fighting for these rights has been truly stimulating" says Lucrezia Fratocchi, another student from the International Relations course. "Seeing the passion behind their words and gestures has inspired me to to my best both in life and in the fight for gender equality. I learned that if you believe in something and give it your all without ever giving up, you get results.”
The following day, the students visited the European Economic and Social Committee to attend a session coordinated by the Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs, Pierre Moscovici. The session was dedicated to the European Citizens' Initiative, a proposal that would allow one million European citizens to participate directly in the elaboration EU policies. “It is exciting to see where and how European institutions work and understand their role in making the dream of a united Europe more structured and efficient. It really makes you feel like a European citizen, and inspires you to do important things," said Lucrezia.
The students' tour ended at the visitor's center of the European Parliament, the Parlamentarium, located at their Brussels headquarters. "Brussels is a dynamic city full of opportunities" concluded Lucrezia who has recently moved to the capital city for an internship. "It's a place where you constantly in close contact with politics and with European instutions."
