Many people who live in the German-speaking Community of Belgium or have moved to our homeland have heard the name ‘Landfrauenverband’ (LFV) somewhere. But what does the name stand for? What is behind it?
The LFV is an adult education organisation that depends on the volunteer work of many local women. Thanks to its democratic structure, the participation of its members is not just a pious wish but a reality. The target audience is the women living in East Belgium. Over than 1,800 members work together in 50 local groups. They get involved, meet each other, discover new things together, learn, celebrate, travel, and practise lifelong learning.
For me, being at home in East Belgium means being connected to my family, neighbours, and parish. I experience this connection as supporting and protective.
For the LFV, being at home in East Belgium has meant being involved in education, equality, and participation of local women since the 1950s. The small size of East Belgium enables us to listen to women closely. Work such as that of the LFV would be difficult to imagine in an urban environment. For all this I am, and we are grateful.
Gisela Cloot
Eupen