Ideas without action are pure theory, and they rarely amount to much. At YEPP, we know this well, which is why we are committed to always delivering on the promises we make.
For some time now, we have felt a clear need to bring renewed attention to the lack of interest, or at times the lack of real commitment, when it comes to encouraging women’s participation in political and business spaces. In our case, over the past few years we have observed a decline in the involvement and participation of women delegates, and we felt we had a responsibility to do something about it: to identify the possible cause, make it visible, and, above all, work towards a solution. For these reasons, we decided to organise a camp where there was room for everyone, men and women alike, but where the educational and developmental role of the sessions would be led exclusively by women.
This camp has been, for all of us, a real turning point and a space for positive reflection on many of the things that still need to change. From institutional visits that helped us better understand and illustrate the historic role of women in social and political life, and their hopefully unstoppable progress, to the moments shared with outstanding women speakers who, through their knowledge in different fields — investment, education, politics and AI — offered us powerful examples of perseverance, determination, personal fulfilment and professionalism.
However, making significant progress does not mean that our goals are any less urgent, or that they should not become even more ambitious. At YEPP, we want to be the kind of constructive force that does not stand still, that helps others grow through understanding, study and respect for differences, but that is not afraid to confront reality in order to improve it.
I have been incredibly fortunate to spend these wonderful days in Madrid with an exceptional group of women and men, people I am sure will take the spirit of these sessions forward and help spread a message of courage, passion for what they do, and the constant need to stand up for what is right. Such an exceptional occasion even led us to cross paths with His Holiness the Pope during those days — an experience that will undoubtedly remain in our memories for a long time.
I believe I can conclude by saying that we need a society in which there is room for everyone, and at YEPP we know this. That is why you will always find us in the battle of ideas for a better society, one in which seeing women leaders is no longer a surprise, but a necessary and fully integrated normality. Let us believe in equality based on merit, effort, perseverance and the will to do things honestly and properly. And let me say clearly: this has nothing to do with gender.
