30 years after its founding, the Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity marked its anniversary with a commemorative conference. The event highlighted a profound evolution: from a department initially focused on women’s advancement to one now tasked with a broad mandate for diversity and inclusion.
Established in 1995 as the “Ministry for the Advancement of Women”, its creation signalled a political commitment to place equality formally within the government structure. Its early mission centered squarely on women’s rights and their standing in societal and professional life – a reflection of the era’s understanding of equality primarily as “women’s policy.”
Marie-Josée Jacobs of the Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) became its first minister. After nine years, she oversaw a symbolic shift, renaming it the “Ministry for Equal Opportunities”. Speaking at the anniversary conference, Jacobs recalled that her most criticised stance was her persistent advocacy for women’s financial independence through employment.
“Back then, men often preferred women to stay at home – until the day they had a new [girlfriend]”, Jacobs recounted, “then, the woman could leave and didn’t know where to go. She hadn’t worked for years, and you can imagine, back then it wasn’t any easier to find a new position that would allow you to make a living than it is today.”
Jacobs served for 14 years before being succeeded by her CSV colleague, Françoise Hetto-Gaasch. As minister, Hetto-Gaasch emphasised the continuation and implementation of established equality tools, alongside increased awareness campaigns in schools.
In her conference address, Hetto-Gaasch highlighted one specific initiative: the founding of “Infomann”, an information and support service aimed at men. She stated that she recognised many men were struggling but had nowhere to turn for help – a gap the service was designed to fill. Hetto-Gaasch noted that “Infomann” remains in high demand today.
The ministry’s leadership then transitioned to Lydia Mutsch of the Luxembourg Socialist Workers’ Party (LSAP). Her tenure focused on integrating the principle of equality between women and men more visibly into everyday life.
In 2018, the ministry underwent another renaming, becoming the “Ministry of Equality between Women and Men.” Under Minister Taina Bofferding (LSAP), key priorities included advocating for equal pay and promoting greater equality in the labour market.
Since 2023, Yuriko Backes of the Democratic Party (DP) has led the ministry, now titled the “Ministry for Gender Equality and Diversity.” Her early initiatives have included drafting a national action plan for equality and diversity and establishing a legal foundation for the Observatory of Gender Equality in 2024.
In her conference address, Minister Backes highlighted a contemporary challenge: a visible backlash against women’s and LGBTQIA+ rights in Luxembourg, Europe, and around the world. She stressed that the ministry’s goal is to advocate for a just society where everyone holds and can exercise the same rights and feels a sense of belonging. “Our country should in theory be a safe space for everyone, but today this is unfortunately not yet the case”, Backes stated.
Reflecting on the ministry’s evolution, Backes noted that while its focus has shifted – from women’s rights to equal opportunity, gender policy, diversity, and domestic violence – the scope of its work has not diminished. She concluded that for this reason, equality, rights, and freedoms must not be seen as a completed process, but as a permanent political and societal task.
A consensus emerged among all former ministers and the current officeholder: violence against women and persistent gender stereotypes remain critically relevant issues that require continued and resolute action.
