EFA26 World of Women*
The European Forum Alpbach (EFA) values diverse voices. A healthy democracy must reflect all perspectives, which is why EFA actively encourages non-male contributors in both its programming and participation.
Shaping a More Inclusive Future
Women* remain underrepresented in many areas of public life, and no society can thrive when half its population is excluded. Feminism has long highlighted this imbalance, and it’s up to us to act. While the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) has a rich history of dialogue, feminist perspectives were largely absent until 1986.
From 2023, our World of Women (WoW*) initiative aims to amplify women’s* visibility at EFA. We believe tackling today’s major crises – climate change, threats to democracy, economic sustainability, and global security – requires contributions from all genders.
WoW* also fosters professional networking for women* at Alpbach. Spearheaded by women* from the EFA Board, Council, Network, and partner organizations, the initiative ensures gender parity in every session and encourages women* to speak up and lead.
In addition to sessions at the EFA, we also organise WoW* events year-round as part of our EFA365 initiative, such as the event The Wake Up Call.
Supporting Female* Talent in STEM and Leadership
The gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) remains a major challenge across Europe. At the European Forum Alpbach, we’re working to close that gap by actively inviting emerging female* talents to join the conversation and shape the future.
In 2024, we introduced the opportunity for scholarship holders to join the Women in STEM focus group, welcoming young, female* talents under 30 with a background in STEM to take part in the annual Forum. For those aged 30 to 40, the Alpbach in Motion leadership lab provides a space to connect, innovate, and grow as leaders. Women* are especially encouraged to apply. In addition, our main event continues to highlight and support female* voices from all sectors and age groups.
Tracking Progress: Gender Representation at the EFA
To ensure transparency and accountability, we’re tracking and publishing gender data related to participation at EFA. In 2025, the numbers showed meaningful progress:
- 49% of scholarship holders were female*
- 47% of contributors (e.g. speakers, moderators) were female*
- 43% of all other participants identified as female*
These numbers reflect our commitment to gender parity, and our belief that diverse perspectives drive better outcomes.
Sessions at the EFA26
WoW* Connect Sessions
During the Conference Days, women from the EFA Network are organizing four 90 Minute Sessions (12:15-13:45), offering the opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and take action.
An Executive Pitch for a Strong Europe
We are shaping the future of business! But how? Based on a survey of 450 female executives, we explore the key questions: Competitiveness: How can we unleash it again by reducing bureaucracy and regulation? AI, Digitalisation & Cybersecurity: How can these topics drive growth, efficiency, and innovation? Societal Mindset: Which patterns of thinking will we need to break?
Supported by Zukunft.Frauen Alumnae Club
Mission Critical Europe: Women Building the Infrastructure of Security
This intimate and curated session brings together influential voices from technology, critical infrastructure, defense, finance, and entrepreneurship to address a critical and timely question: Who gets to build, govern, and lead the systems Europe cannot afford to lose?
Attendance by invite only.
Hosted by Female Founders
Our Partners
Our Supporters
More EFA26
Explore more of the diverse EFA26 programme.