On 19 December 2024, Mrs. Miet Smet, chairwoman of EZA from 1988 to 1995, passed away at the age of 81.
As Minister of State, we escorted her out on January 4 in her State Funeral in Lokeren (Belgium). We will remember her as a strong woman and a powerful politician. She was a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and the Senate, the European and the Flemish Parliament. As Secretary of State for the Environment and Social Emancipation and Minister of Employment and Labour, in charge of the policy of equal opportunities for men and women, she was groundbreaking through the countless initiatives and decisions she took, and which have a lasting impact to this day.
The legislation and actions against sexual harassment and bullying at work, 'Sex colleague, ex-colleague', guaranteeing equal rights and opportunities for men and women, mapping out a path to equal pay for equal work, are just a few examples of the changes she gave substance and form. Overall, her merit remains very high for the full integration of women into the world of work. But also in the political field, she promoted the political representation of women through the candidacy of women in elections with an impact on the composition of parliaments, municipal councils and governments.
As founder and chairwoman of 'Woman and Society', she inspired generations of women to stand up for their rights. In addition, she was committed to various international and European organizations. Not least as first chairwoman of EZA, succeeding the founding president Wolfgang Vogt. Driven, with great conviction and commitment, she gave EZA a place in the early years. For her rich life of commitment, we remain especially grateful to her and offer her family our sincere Christian condolences in the mourning and great loss that afflicts them.
Luc Van den Brande
President EZA
On 27 December 2024, our dear friend Pontien Kabongo passed away. Pontien had taken over the baton from Pascal Fouque at the EZA member of the European Company Chaplaincy (Groupe Européen de Pastorale Ouvrière, GEPO) in order to further expand the network of company chaplains in Europe.
For many, many years, his life was shaped by the Young Christian Workers (Jeunesse Ouvrière Chrétienne, JOC). In the last two years, he was an international staff member of the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association). He also incorporated his tireless commitment, particularly to young people, into his work for the GEPO: The EZA seminar he helped organise last year brought together company chaplains and young employee representatives for an inspiring intergenerational exchange in Paris.
Pontien's tireless commitment had led him to this year's EZA start seminar in Spain. We are devastated that he was unable to return home after a long hospital stay in Seville.
Pontien's zest for life, his laughter and his infectious enthusiasm have left many traces in our hearts. We know he is safe with God.
In the silence of our grief, our memories of him create an unbreakable bond that transcends the boundaries of time. Our condolences go out to his family.
Sigrid Schraml
EZA Secretary General