UWE AGM & Conference 2025

Women's Voices for a Future of Peace

From 6 to 9 November 2025, Naples welcomed University Women of Europe (UWE) for four days of conversation, learning, and celebration. Hosted by our Italian member association, the gathering brought together 14 National Federations and Associations and around 75 participants from across Europe. The Swiss delegation was well represented by the two co-presidents, Ruth Nieffer, Ursulla Bolli-Schaffner, Monica Chirita, the CIR, Caroline Serre the CER, and five members from different sections.

Set in the vibrant heart of Naples among its Renaissance palaces, narrow streets, music, and sea views, this year’s edition offered a powerful combination of intellectual exchange, cultural discovery, and genuine connection between women committed to equality and peace.

A Warm Beginning Above the City

The event opened with a warm welcome reception and “Apericena” at Palazzo Cappuccini,. Participants gathered for a welcome reception that instantly broke the ice: conversations flowed, laughter echoed, and the first connections of the weekend began to take shape.

Later in the evening, the group enjoyed a walking tour along the seaside promenade to the iconic Castel dell’Ovo, setting a relaxed and convivial tone for the days ahead.

Voices for Peace in a Changing World

On Friday morning, the conference unfolded at the Università Parthenope, Palazzo Pacanowski, an elegant building overlooking the harbour. The theme "Women's Voices and Skills for a Future of Peace" felt particularly resonant in a world marked by instability, renewed conflicts, and democratic backsliding.

The conference opened with reflections on women’s roles in peace and democracy, the rise of autocracy in Europe as highlighted in President Bergheim-Nègre’s report, and the urgent need to protect women’s rights amid shrinking civic spaces. The tone was serious but energising, inviting participants to think not only about challenges but also about the power women hold to influence political and social transformations.

ASFDU was happy to contribute to the program by the presentation of Isabel Bolli, whose presentation on "A Just Peace? Women's Voices and the Democratic Underpinnings" offered a vital contribution to the day’s discussions. Through0out the day, a powerful artistic presence accompanied the discussions: La Speranza, a work by Neapolitan artist Maria Carolina Siricio. With its raw beauty, the piece evoked hope, freedom and the power of transformation, becoming an unspoken symbol of the AGM.

Walking with the Women of Naples

In the afternoon, we stepped into the streets for a guided walk led by Francesca Vitelli, President of EnterprisinGirls. The city revealed itself through the stories of women who shaped its history: the intellectual fire of Eleonora de Fonseca Pimentel, the audacious journalism of Matilde Serao, the political influence of Maria Carolina of Austria, and others whose lives embodied resilience and creativity.

The tour gave emotional depth to the conference theme, anchoring our reflections in the lived realities of women who had fought, resisted, and persisted centuries before us.

A Turning Point for UWE

Saturday's Annual General Assembly took place at the CNR (Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche). The day held a special weight: it marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for UWE.

The assembly warmly celebrated Dr Anne Bergheim-Nègre, who after seven years as President, received heartfelt thanks for her dedication, integrity, and steady guidance. Her farewell was emotional. a moment of recognition from all NFAs, including ASFDU.
Under this spirit of transition, members unanimously elected Basak Ovacik (Turkey) as the new President. Her election was met with enthusiasm, and many look forward to her upcoming visit to Switzerland for the ASFDU General Assembly in 2026.

It was also the final AGM for Juliana Cici, outgoing Secretary General and member of the Geneva section. She hands over the role to Leonie van den Tol (Netherlands). Treasurer Georgeta Stoican presented the accounts and upcoming budget, highlighting both UWE's solid reserves and the financial challenges of relying primarily on membership fees.

The outgoing President's annual report gave a clear overview of UWE's activities within the Council of Europe, including work around gender equality, human rights, the Istanbul Convention, and democratic governance.

Celebrating Together and saying Goodbye, In the Steps of History

Saturday's Gala Dinner at Palazzo Cappuccini offered a festive finale, with exceptional food, music, and dancing fostering the spirit of friendship and international collaboration that defines the network.

For those staying until Sunday, a final cultural excursion to the archaeological site of Pompeii provided a reflective and memorable conclusion to the event. For many, the day was the opportunity to visit the Museo del Tesoro di San Gennaro, or to wander, savour, and say goodbye to this captivating city before returning home.