Politics isn’t an easy world, especially for women, according to Yuriko Backes (DP), who holds a triple portfolio in charge of the ministries of defence; mobility and public works; and gender equality and diversity (MEGA). “Women politicians still get more comments on what they wear compared to men, too many panels (“manels”) still portray a reality that does not do justice to our society, too many stereotypes persist,” she argues, adding she’d like to see more women role models across all sectors.
A career diplomat, Yuriko Backes previously served as Luxembourg’s Minister of Finance, Marshall of the Grand-Ducal Court, and Representative of the European Commission in Luxembourg. Driven by the will to work hard and the desire to foster meaningful change for her country, she operates under the values of respect and honesty, what she calls “non-negotiables”.
Follow your dreams, be open to new challenges and aim for progress, not perfection
She insists that there is “a team” behind each of her many professional achievements: “I am grateful to the wonderful colleagues that have accompanied me on my journey.” Such achievements have often centred on gender equality, such as the launch in 2023 of the Women in Finance Charter and Gender Finance Task Force to drive progress ‘for women in finance’ but also ‘finance for women’; or MEGA’s recent milestone of opening Luxembourg’s first Centre for Victims of Violence (CNVV).
Despite today’s volatile geopolitical context, she sees Luxembourg as a reliable ally. “As Minister of Defence, I am convinced that it is important for Luxembourg to contribute to a stronger and more autonomous European pillar within NATO,” she adds. “As we scale up defence investments, modernising our armed forces and acquiring new capabilities, I put a special emphasis on creating economic and societal returns to ensure that these resources strengthen not only our deterrence and defence, but our nation as a whole.”
Her advice for the next generation of professionals? “Follow your dreams, be open to new challenges and aim for progress, not perfection. When you enjoy what you do, you will be good at it, and when you are good at what you do, you will enjoy it.”
This exclusive portrait was published in the 10th edition of Forbes Luxembourg.
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