Following on from local elections in June, the municipality of Koekelberg has installed its new college, which is the "most female in the Brussels-Capital Region".
On Friday 6 December Koekelberg swore in its new municipal council and named the councillors who will be in the executive college serving more senior functions. The municipality made note of the fact that its college is the "most female" in Brussels, composed of five women and two men. It has also appointed its first ever female mayor in Olivia P'tito (PS).
Historically women have been under-represented at the most senior levels of local councils, although gender parity has almost been achieved in Brussels in terms of the share of women elected as councillors.
Mayor P'tito will oversee matters including safety, general and legal affairs, urban planning, climate action, budget and finance, and the local economy.
Meanwhile First Alderwoman Nadia Badri (PS) will focus on youth, families, jobs, and international solidarity.
Véronique Lefrancq (Alternative Humanist) will have responsibilities including French-speaking education, public cleanliness and green spaces, and senior citizens.
Fatmir Limani (PS) will focus on French-speaking culture and the French language library, as well as animal welfare. Ornela Prifti (PS) will take charge of local economy and commerce, housing, and social affairs.
Soumia Faouzi (Alternative Humanist) is responsible for sports, public health and digital transition, while Dirk Lagast (Vooruit) manages the competences of Dutch-speaking education and culture, mobility and intangible heritage.
Former mayor Ahmed Laaouej remains involved as chairman of the municipal council.
