"Women of Lusophony" - Speech from CCBP President Kathleen Laissy

Last Saturday, Kathleen Figueiredo Laissy, President of the Belgian-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce (CCBP), had the honour of serving as godmother and keynote speaker of the event “Lusophone Women – Voices of the Diaspora”, organised by the Foundation For Women by Women at the Press Club Brussels Europe.

This high-level gathering brought together inspiring Lusophone women active in the fields of politics, finance, entrepreneurship, arts and leadership, creating a space for dialogue, exchange, and empowerment.

Read Kathleen's full discourse here:

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Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear friends,

It is with deep honour that I stand before you today as the godmother of this event, Lusophone Women: Voices of the Diaspora.

I would like to begin by warmly thanking Sónia Silva, President of For Women By Women, for her vision, and Ady Batista for her tireless dedication. You have created a space that gives voice to women who too often remain invisible, despite their extraordinary contributions.

The Lusophone diaspora is one of the richest and most diverse in the world. From Africa to Latin America, from Asia to Europe, it embodies centuries of history, resilience, and cultural exchange. Our language unites us, but our stories are as plural as the continents we inhabit.

Here in Brussels, in the capital of Europe, the Lusophone diaspora is vibrant. We are entrepreneurs, teachers, artists, scientists, diplomats, bankers, and mothers. We build bridges between Portugal, Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Timor Leste — and our host societies. We are proof that identity is not limited by geography, but enriched by diversity.

As women of this diaspora, we carry a double mission. On the one hand, to honour our roots — the culture, traditions, and values that shaped us. On the other hand, to innovate, to lead, and to open paths in the societies we now call home. This is not always easy. It requires courage to enter professions once reserved for men, to raise our voices in political debates, or to claim visibility in sectors where women are still underrepresented.

But when diaspora women succeed, we all win. We show the next generation that it is possible to be both proudly Lusophone and fully engaged citizens of the world. We show that migration is not a story of loss, but of multiplication — multiplying cultures, multiplying talents, multiplying opportunities.

This is why today’s event is so important: it reminds us that the diaspora is not only about movement, it is about contribution. It is about how our voices enrich societies, how our identities act as bridges, and how our plural experiences make us stronger.

Allow me to highlight the inspiring individuals who are with us today:

• H.E. Ambassador Helder Vaz, representing Guinea Bissau, reminding us that diplomacy is also a voice of the diaspora.

• Paulo Gomes, with the AfroChampions initiative, showing that true leadership includes being an ally.

• Suzi Barbosa, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Guinea-Bissau, whose career testifies to the strength of Lusophone women in politics.

• Sónia Silva, a philanthropist and banker, who embodies leadership and generosity.

• Nelma Fernandes, Vanessa Fernandes, Monica Mussoni, and Aline Yasmin, each bringing their voice from education, entrepreneurship, cinema, and the arts — the very heartbeat of our diaspora.

We are also reminded that here in Brussels, two of the three European Union institutions are led by women —Ursula von der Leyen and Roberta Metsola. Their leadership proves that women can and must lead at the highest levels, and that Europe is stronger when it embraces women’s voices.

As President of the Belgian-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce, I also want to add a commitment: to open the doors of the Chamber to further cooperation. Our Chamber is not just about business. It is about networks, visibility, and recognition. It is about ensuring that the talents of Lusophone women — whether in arts, education, or entrepreneurship — are visible, supported, and connected to opportunities.

And finally, allow me to say on a personal note how deeply honoured I am by the invitation to be the godmother of this event. I pay tribute to my mother and my grandmothers, who paved the way for me. They raised me in such a way that I never once questioned whether I could or could not claim something, or pursue a goal. I simply went for what I wanted, because they never erected any barriers. I was raised by strong and powerful matriarchs — and this is something we find across all Lusophone societies: women who roll up their sleeves, who persevere, who lead with strength and dignity.

It is in their name, and in the name of all those women, that I commit to always supporting For Women By Women in all its projects and activities. And I will also be your voice, wherever I am.

Muito obrigada. Merci. Thank you.