Born: 1968 (Hasselt, Belgium)
Helga Stevens (born 9 August 1968) is a Belgian politician and member of the New Flemish Alliance (N-VA) who has been serving as a Member of the European Parliament since 2014. Her notable work in fighting for the rights of people with disabilities has made her a respected figure in European politics.
Born deaf, Helga Stevens attended the Koninklijk Instituut voor Doven en Spraakgestoorden, a specialized school for deaf students in Hasselt, Belgium. However, she later transferred to a mainstream school in Sint-Truiden, demonstrating her determination and drive to overcome any obstacles that came her way.
During her year on a Rotary scholarship in St. Louis, Missouri in 1987, Stevens had a life-changing experience when she visited Gallaudet University. It was there that she met a deaf attorney who inspired her to continue her studies in law. On her return to Belgium, she enrolled at the Katholieke Universiteit Leuven and became the first deaf lawyer in the country.
Determined to further expand her legal knowledge and skills, Stevens pursued a master’s degree at the Boalt Hall Law School of the University of California in Berkeley in 1993. She achieved this milestone with the support of a prestigious Fulbright scholarship.
In 1996, Stevens embarked on a career in public service by joining the European Union of the Deaf (EUD). She actively participated in the Federation of Flemish Deaf Organisations and continued to advocate for the rights of the deaf community. Her passion for disability rights solidified over the years and ultimately guided her political career.
Stevens entered the political arena as a candidate for the Belgian Senate in 1999, representing the People’s Union list. She continued to run for Senate in 2003, this time on the New Flemish Alliance list. Her determination paid off when she was elected as a Member of the Flemish Parliament in 2004. Stevens experienced further success in 2007 when she secured a seat in the Senate. Her commitment to public service was recognized through subsequent re-elections to the Flemish Parliament in 2009 and the Senate in 2010.
In May 2014, Helga Stevens made her mark on the international stage when she was elected as a Member of the European Parliament. Her dedication to disability rights and her strong advocacy skills led to her appointment as the president of the European Parliament’s Disabilities Intergroup. This prestigious role allowed her to work tirelessly to promote the rights and welfare of people with disabilities throughout Europe.
Stevens’ impact and influence in European politics were further recognized when she was elected as the vice-president of the European Conservatives and Reformists group in November 2014. Her role within the group showcased her leadership abilities and the respect she commanded from her colleagues.
In October 2016, the European Conservatives and Reformists group announced their support for Helga Stevens to become the next President of the European Parliament. This nomination is a testament to her exceptional qualities and the trust her peers have placed in her.
Helga Stevens’ extraordinary journey and tireless efforts in advocating for the rights of people with disabilities have made her a significant figure not only in Belgian politics but also in European politics. Her determination to overcome personal challenges and her commitment to making a positive impact in society serves as an inspiration to women everywhere.