Recently, headlines about Ursula von der Leyen’s ambition for a more gender balanced European Commission were all over the news. Over the years, the gender balance in the European institutions has rightfully gained attention. Better representation of our society in decision-making bodies can lead to better and just policies. While explicitly aiming for a more gender balanced Commission is a step in the right direction, simply weighing diversity solely through a gender-lens is far too narrow. Diversity, especially in our governmental institutions, should be regarded in the broadest terms.
In this light, it is an interesting fact to learn that Hadja Lahbib might become the first ever Commissioner that is a person of colour. Although I champion this news, it is troubling that it took this long. Assesing diversity through a gender lens only is far from sufficient. It shows how poor representation maintains itself and forms a pattern that is difficult to break.
Admittedly, the European Parliament is no exception to this. Now it includes only 20 MEPs of colour, equivalent to 2.8% of the 720 MEPs. Contrast this percentage with the fact that 10% of EU citizens are people of colour and you’re left wondering how representative the EP truly is. It’s time for some introspection in Brussels - especially now that the Commissioner-designates are forming their cabinets.
I recommend reading a great opinion piece on representation in the EU institutions by Shada Islam in the Guardian, to which I’ve included a link in the comments.
