MOTHERS OF EUROPE

The project commemorates notable women who advanced European integration, democracy, and EU values. By sharing their stories, it promotes a more inclusive, relatable understanding of European history and its key moments.

Mothers of Europe

The Mothers of Europe project pays tribute to eighteen extraordinary women whose life stories and public engagement significantly contributed to the Europe we know today. These women helped build European integration, anchored democratic principles, and laid the foundations for the values that define the European Union – equality, solidarity, and respect for human dignity.

Their names are often missing fron textbooks. Yet it was they who helped shape some of the most pivotal moments in modern history — in politics, civil society, education, care, and culture. Mothers of Europe offers an alternative perspective on European history: one that is not only told through the deeds of famous statesmen, but also through the visionaries whose courage, empathy, and determination pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible.

These women were not merely witnesses to change — they were the very forces behind it. And their legacy lives on: in the values we defend, the freedoms we uphold, and the societies we continue to shape.

Read their stories and discover the voices that helped shape our shared future.

Publication

Past events

Mothers of Europe in Brno06/08/25 – 15/08/25

Extended until the end of September!
Café Paměti národa, Institute for the Study of Totalitarian Regimes
Accompanying programme: Thursday 14 August from 5 PM

Poetry of Sharp Voices

On 14 August 2025, the Institute of National Memory in Brno turned into a vibrant forum where history met the present. The Mothers of Europe exhibition not only showcased portraits of women who shaped European history, but also offered an intense evening program. In a debate moderated by journalist Lucie Vopálenská, Barbora Antonová, Lucie Jarkovská, and Alžběta Michalová opened up questions of strength, care, and everyday heroism—asking whether the very label “heroine” truly serves women’s stories. Their voices were enriched by Michalová’s poetry and a concert by Martina Trchová, whose songs carried echoes of memory and fragility. The atmosphere of the Institute deepened the experience, sparking a powerful dialogue that continued long after the official program ended—proof that the themes of women’s courage and care resonate across generations.

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Mothers of Europe in Ostrava04/08/25 – 17/08/25

Cultural Centre Provoz
Opening: Monday 4 August at 6 PM, Galerie Provoz
Accompanying programme: Friday 8 August from 5 PM 

Art, Debate, and Music in an Industrial Setting

On 8 August, Provoz hosted an unforgettable evening where art, debate, and performance merged into one powerful experience. The programme opened with a creative workshop led by Alice Sovadinová (PLATO), inspired by Why We Are So Angry (Homfray, Čejková). Participants translated reflections on care and mental load into a striking collective collage. This was followed by the debate Supermothers, featuring Marta Pilařová, Kristýna Konczyna, and Veronika Kusá—three leading voices of Ostrava’s cultural scene—who spoke openly about balancing motherhood with artistic and civic work. Their stories resonated strongly with younger audiences, sparking conversations that carried on long after the event. The evening culminated in a mesmerizing performance by musician Julie Goetz, whose layered viola and looping gave voice to themes of care, resilience, and inner strength. Set against the raw industrial backdrop of Provoz, the programme created an authentic intergenerational dialogue that left a lasting mark.

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Mothers of Europe in Liberec26/05/25 – 30/06/25

Liebieg Palace, 26 May – 30 June 2025
Accompanying event: Monday 27 May at 5:00 PM, Regional Research Library in  Liberec 

Where It All Began

The Mothers of Europe exhibition arrived in Liberec with a powerful message – celebrating  eighteen women whose voices, actions, and civic courage helped shape the Europe we  live in today. The stories span borders and generations, featuring women from the Czech  Republic, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Greece, and Spain. Through poster portraits and  biographies, the exhibition honours their strength, resilience, and lasting legacy. 

A highlight of the Liberec edition was an unforgettable discussion evening titled Brave and  Courageous, held on 27 May at the Regional Research Library in Liberec. Among the  guests was one of the featured Mothers of Europe herself – Lída Rakušanová, a  renowned journalist and symbol of free media, who worked with Radio Free Europe in the  1970s and later collaborated with Czech Television and Czech Radio. 

She was joined by Anna Freimanová, long-time collaborator of Václav Havel, editor of his  collected works, and member of his Presidential Office between 1990 and 2003. 

The conversation, moderated by Marcela Augustová (Czech Television), offered a rare  and intimate insight into the intersections of public life, resistance, and personal integrity.  Powerful stories, personal testimonies, and reflections on the role of women in society  created an unforgettable atmosphere and served as a reminder that the stories of the  Mothers of Europe have not ended — they continue in each and every one of us.

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Brunch Talk: How (In)visible Women Have Shaped Our Democracy and Are Changing Today’s Society?15/10/24 09:30

The event introduced the Mothers of Europe project, redefining the role of women as creators and protectors of European values. The nominees of the project was presented. Experts from various fields debated equality in a diverse society, the influence of democracy on women’s rights, and the Czech Republic’s role within the EU. 

Key discussion points: What has democracy brought in terms of women’s rights? How do we stand in comparison with other post-communist countries? What impact has the Czech Republic's entry into the EU had on gender equality? Which aspects of women's history are overlooked or neglected in our historical narratives?

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Online

Exhibition: Make Mothers Matter: Portrait of a (Working) Mother

What does motherhood look like in Europe? What challenges do women face every day as they juggle caregiving and professional responsibilities? The exhibition Portrait of a (Working) Mother, created by the international organization Make Mothers Matter, presents authentic portraits of mothers from across Europe – their stories, experiences, and aspirations for equality, recognition, and better support.

Based on an extensive survey of over 8,000 women from eight European countries, including the Czech Republic, the exhibition sheds light on the often-overlooked realities of motherhood in today's society. It highlights not only the diversity of maternal roles but also the systemic barriers women face – from the lack of childcare services to inequality in the labor market.

About the project

The way we tell history reveals power relations. Collective memory and the (in)visibility of  women in historical narratives have a direct impact on the status of women in today’s  society. The main goal of the Mothers of Europe project is to commemorate and raise  awareness of exceptional women who contributed to European integration, supported  democratic transition, and helped shape the values on which the European Union is built. 

The project also brings to light concrete stories of women who took part in key historical  moments. In doing so, it offers a more inclusive and relatable account of the history of  European integration and democratic transformation.

Target Groups & Project Goals 

Mothers of Europe is aimed at a broad public across generations – from experts and  professionals engaged in European history, to young people seeking their identity within a  European context, and older women whose personal experiences reflect the societal  changes of the past decades. 

The project’s goal is to highlight the stories of women who shaped European integration  and democratic transition after World War II, offering a more inclusive perspective on  modern history. It seeks to foster intergenerational dialogue, promote international  discussion, and strengthen Europe’s collective memory through a female lens. 

 

Project partners