In this interview with Georgia Mourad Brooks, Founder and CEO of Belgium’s first female-focused members’ club The Nine, Flavia Scotton talks to her about the club’s creation, allyship, avoiding pink-washing and what Brussels can – and should – be doing more of.

Let’s start from the beginning: can you tell us a bit about your career journey and how it led you to creating The Nine?

My career journey has been, I think, pleasingly non-linear. Looking back, I’m actually proud of that because it serves as an example to others.

My very first work experience was a summer internship at the UK Foreign Office in London, which I absolutely loved. It was the first time I got to apply my passion for foreign policy and globalization in a real-world setting. Given my diverse background – British, Egyptian, Lebanese and Canadian – it felt natural to step into an international environment. But I quickly realised that I wasn’t particularly diplomatic, which, as you can imagine, is a bit of a problem in the diplomatic service!

During university, I had the chance to learn Italian and spend several years in Italy. That led me to work as a translator, translating from Italian to English. But when I returned to London during the 2008 financial crisis, I ended up working as an Italian researcher for a legal publishing company Chambers. I worked my way up there and became an editor at a relatively young age – 25 or 26, which, looking back, feels a bit surreal!

After five great years at Chambers, I moved to Brussels, driven by a desire to work in human and women’s rights. I did a Master’s in European Studies, focusing on the migration crisis, and started volunteering and working with different NGOs. That eventually led me to create The Fempower Initiative, a nonprofit supporting health and education projects for girls and young women in the Middle East.

After a few years working on that, I started wondering – what could I do for women here in Brussels? The challenges were, of course, very different from those in the Middle East, but they were still present. Around that time, in 2016, women-only spaces were emerging in places like London and New York.

Given that Brussels is such a major political, policy, and business hub, I assumed something similar would emerge here. But it didn’t. So, I stepped in. Like so many great inventions, The Nine was born out of my own frustration. It was something I wanted and felt was missing. And I naively – but rightly – assumed that if I wanted this, others would too.

And the response has been incredible. We’ve built a fantastic community of members, friends of members and connections across the Brussels and Belgian bubbles. So many people have said, “Ah, finally.” And I agree! It’s taken a long time for society to recognise the need for women-focused, women-first spaces – not as charities or as something implying we are less than, but as spaces that exist on equal footing. We offer a wide range of services unapologetically, because we deserve them.

How long ago was The Nine born?

We officially opened in September 2021 – right in the middle of COVID.

Wow, right between lockdowns?

Yes, exactly. It sounds surreal now, like something out of the Twilight Zone. When we first opened, we could have parties, people could sit next to each other, stand up, socialise. And then, just two months later, new regulations came in, and suddenly, no more parties – everyone had to be seated, distanced.

It was such a rollercoaster. I will never forget we had a karaoke night the Friday before the restrictions changed, and people were angry. It was like Queens of the Stone Age and Alanis Morissette, just furious women belting out songs.

But we survived.

And here we are.

What advice would you give to young women who are passionate about gender equality and thinking about starting their own initiatives?

First and foremost, find a community.

And not just one. There are many out there, and you are always stronger together. I worked alone for way too long, and when I finally found a network of other women who were just as passionate about gender equality – whether through their own organisations, charities, or volunteering – it changed everything. Being part of something bigger than yourself is incredibly powerful. It also helps put things in perspective.

And honestly, in a city like Brussels, where it can often feel very me, me, me, it’s refreshing to focus on them, them, them sometimes.

So, my advice? Do seek out like-minded people. Do put yourself out there. There’s no shortage of events, initiatives, and opportunities to get involved.

But also, don’t spread yourself too thin. And don’t expect every coffee meeting, networking event or new connection to change your life overnight. I think we all fall into the trap of hoping for that one magic moment, the perfect opportunity, the right person who will open all the doors. And when that doesn’t happen, it can feel crushing.

When you’re working in this space, you’re constantly facing discrimination, bias, and pushback, sometimes in overt ways, but often in much more subtle, insidious ways.

I even have members who say, “I didn’t even realise I had been discriminated against until someone pointed it out.” We internalise so much. From the language people use to body language, to behaviours we once thought were normal.

We now live in a post-#MeToo world, but I grew up in a time when certain behaviours were just accepted. Women in the workplace would whisper to each other, “Avoid so-and-so at the coffee machine.” Or, “If he calls you into his office, take someone with you.” And what shocks me the most? That so many people, especially men, knew this was happening and did nothing.

That’s why building communities and supporting each other matters so much.

Let’s talk about male allies in the fight for gender equality. What do you think makes someone a true ally, and how can men step up in meaningful ways?

It honestly makes me sad that people still think this is tricky or controversial. All we’re saying is, “I want to be treated the same as you”. That shouldn’t be up for debate. And whether it’s about gender, race or anything else, it’s the same fight for equal rights and recognition.

Being a male ally? It’s really just about being a decent human. And I’ll be real – some of the worst behaviour I’ve experienced in my career hasn’t come from men, but from other women. Internalised misogyny is real. The whole scarcity effect, the system making us feel like there’s only room for one or two of us at the top – it creates competition. It’s wild.

Honestly, a lot of the most direct support I’ve had, the people who actually opened doors for me, were men. Meanwhile, I’ve faced active resistance from women. So, if we’re asking, “What does being an ally actually mean?” – it’s not just about saying “I support women.” It’s about actually doing something. Saying someone’s name in a room full of decision-makers. Putting them forward for opportunities.

And that’s why I love the difference between a mentor and a sponsor. A mentor gives advice. A sponsor actually puts you in the room. They don’t just say, “You got this!” They say, “Here’s the opportunity. Take it.” That’s what makes the difference.

But it’s not just about men, right? Like, how can we be allies for each other? And how do we have these conversations without making people defensive? That’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot.

People shut down when they feel attacked. So instead of coming in with, “You’re wrong!”, sometimes it’s just about tweaking things. If someone in a meeting calls a group of professional women “girls”, I’ll say, “Hey, I’d prefer it if you said young women.” Not in a big, dramatic way, just a small correction, and we move on.

The way forward isn’t black and white. Right now, you’ve got people shutting down entire DE&I programmes. But isn’t that just as extreme as forcing everything through without conversation? We need balance.

At the end of the day, it’s about showing up, doing the work, and making sure that when you’re not in the room, someone is still saying your name. That’s real allyship.

Looking back over the past decade, what big shifts have you seen in Brussels (if at all) when it comes to women’s rights and gender equality? And what still needs to change?

I think the biggest shift I’ve seen in Brussels when it comes to gender equality is awareness. People now at least recognise that we’re not equal. That some are working towards it. And that some are actively resisting it or clinging to the status quo.

I’ve seen a lot of initiatives pop up, businesses start, movements gain traction. But I’ve also seen some of them disappear. That’s the natural cycle of things; some people push forward, others step back or refocus. But overall, I do think we’re still moving forward, even if it’s in that frustrating two-steps-forward, one-step-back way.

Look at the conversations we’re having now—about gender balance in parliament, in the Commission, on corporate boards. We weren’t having those ten years ago, at least not in a serious way. And now we’ve got a Commission President calling for a gender-balanced College. Did we fully achieve it? No. But would this conversation even have been possible a decade ago? Also no.

Same with the board directive. That was stuck for ten years before finally moving in 2021-2022. And what are we even asking for? 40%. Not 50%. 40%. And somehow, that’s still controversial. It’s wild when you think about it.

And yes, we’ve had wins: better parental leave policies and pay transparency measures to tackle the gender pay gap. But has it truly trickled down to change everyday life? Not enough. Will it ever be enough? Probably not. The WEF says it’ll take more than 134 years to reach parity. Let that sink in.

But if I look at the past ten years from a personal perspective, one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is how many men now reach out. Men who want to support, who want to be involved, who say, “I love what you’re doing with The Nine – how can I help?” Or, “I want to bring my daughter, my wife, my colleagues into this conversation.”

And I’ve said this before, but I love that some men finally get it: gender equality isn’t against them. It’s for them, too. What we do at The Nine is about putting women first, but that doesn’t mean putting men last. It’s about using our lens, our lived experiences, to move the needle.

Oh, and one more thing? The coffee in Brussels has dramatically improved. When I first moved here, I’d complain to my friends in London;, “Guys. I don’t think they know what a flat white is. They keep giving me a terrible cappuccino.”

So yes, progress. On multiple fronts.

We are approaching International Women’s Day and all the campaigns that go around it, how can companies genuinely support women without falling into the ‘pink-washing’ trap?

Well, it’s not tricky, because part of me says – just do something. At least then, you’re doing something. And honestly, whatever the motivation, at least you’re engaging. But then there’s the other part of me that asks, if nothing actually changes the rest of the year, then what’s the point?

I see it all the time. And I used to get really worked up about it. The LinkedIn posts, the nice pictures, the applause, and then? Business as usual.

That’s why we don’t do anything specific for International Women’s Day at The Nine. Because every day is Women’s Day for us. Last year, we even went on strike – we didn’t host any special events, no private bookings. I wasn’t going to profit off tokenism.

Pinkwashing will always exist. But at the same time, you never know what impact a post, a talk, or an event might have on someone. Maybe it sparks something. Maybe it starts a conversation that leads to real change. That ripple effect can happen.

I guess I’ve just had to take a more stoic approach. And that’s not my natural personality, especially when it comes to things I’m passionate about. But holding on to too much frustration just isn’t productive.

So now? If someone wants to host a Women’s Day event at The Nine? Be my guest. If it helps even one person understand gender equality better, great. We even started putting together DE&I training brochures because companies are asking for help where they can’t do this work internally anymore. And yeah, it’s a lot of work, but it’s also something I’m really proud of.

So, if you’re listening, and you want to have food, drink or soak up the atmosphereat The Nine in March? You’re more than welcome. Just like you would be in any other month.

Balancing a demanding role like yours with personal life isn’t easy. How do you juggle it all, and what’s your go-to tip for anyone (men or women!) trying to find that balance?

Wow, that’s a huge assumption – to think I actually have balance. If you ask my husband, my friends, or my family, they’ll tell you I have no balance. I’m probably the worst person to ask this question because, honestly? I’m obsessed. Too passionate. But I think there’s something to that.

Did you know the word passion comes from the Latin passio, which means to suffer? That’s why it’s called The Passion in Christianity.

And I am a sufferer because I care so deeply about what I do, about women’s rights, about The Nine. I work 12 to 14 hours a day. Even when I’m not working, I’m thinking about work. Those five minutes on the treadmill? In the shower? That’s when the ideas hit. And then I have to do something about it. My brain just won’t switch off.

The only way I manage is by keeping weekends as sacred as possible. Weekends are for family and friends, no work. Am I successful at that? Not really. But I try not to work on Saturdays, and Sundays… well, I always have to prep for the week ahead.

One new thing I’ve been doing, though – and this may sound strange or surprising – is hosting dinner parties.

I know. Very 90s. But I hadn’t socialised at home in years because I’m always at the club. And when I’m here, even if I’m technically “off,” I’m still working – checking the diary, handling things, answering questions. Hosting a dinner at home forces me to have conversations that aren’t about the club, or gender equality, or the state of the world. Instead, we talk about music, books, life. It’s been a real reset.

So my advice? Set boundaries. Be disciplined with your time. And at the end of the day, you are accountable to you.

If you can go to bed at night feeling good about the choices you made, whether that’s working late, spending time with your kids, or just taking a break, then you’re doing fine. And that? That’s a balance.

For those who want to learn more about women’s rights, are there any books you’d recommend?

Oh, I love this question. I’m an absolute bookworm, so I could go on forever!

If you’re just starting out, Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez is the book. It should honestly be taught in schools – one of those books that makes you realise you’ve been swimming in a reality that was never designed for you. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it.

Lately, I’ve been diving into women’s health, both for personal reasons and because it’s under attack in so many ways. A must-read is Sex Matters by Dr. Alyson McGregor. It’s about how male-centric medical research puts women’s health at risk – sometimes with life-threatening consequences. If you’ve ever been dismissed at a doctor’s office with “Maybe you’re just tired” (which, let’s be honest, every woman has), this book will infuriate you in the best way possible.

Another fascinating read is Femina by Janina Ramirez. It’s all about how women were written out of history – especially the Middle Ages. I’m a huge history nerd, and this book is an eye-opener.

And if you love mythology, Circe by Madeline Miller and Ariadne by Jennifer Saint are incredible. I adore these feminist retellings of myths; they flip the script on centuries-old narratives. When you look at traditional fairy tales, they so often reinforce damaging stereotypes: women waiting to be saved, men being the heroes. I recently read a fairytale where a clever princess outwits an emperor… and his response? “You must marry me.” And she does. What? No!

So, anything that challenges those outdated tropes and makes me chuckle a little? Highly recommended.

What’s on the horizon for you in 2025? Any exciting goals or projects you’re looking forward to?

I’m really excited about 2025 because we’re launching two major summits, which is something we’ve never done before!

The first, in the spring, is on women’s health, and the second, at the end of summer, is on AI. These are full all-day events, so it’s a challenge – not just in terms of logistics but also in crafting a meaningful, engaging experience that keeps people hooked from start to finish. It’s not just about putting speakers on stage; it’s about curating the right mix of voices, perspectives, and energy to make it truly impactful.

For the health summit, we’re even incorporating cycle-based nutrition, offering different food options based on where you are in your hormonal cycle. It’s a simple but radically overlooked concept, inspired by the work of Morgane Leten, founder of Guud Women. Her research on eating for hormonal health is fascinating, and I love the idea of integrating that into the event.

On the AI side, it’s all about early adoption and demystification. There’s still so much fear and misinformation around AI – especially concerns about bias. My goal is to cut through the noise and show people how to use it effectively, critically, and consciously. AI isn’t something to be feared, but it is something we need to approach with awareness.

One of the things that worries me most is how easily we’ve lost the ability to question, to challenge narratives, to think critically. Decades ago, we understood satire and propaganda at a much deeper level. Now, there’s so much blind acceptance of what we see online. I want to help shift that conversation, especially when it comes to technology.

So, 2025? A lot of work, but a lot of excitement.

Is there something you’re working on personally right now?

This year, my biggest personal shift is going to be adjusting to my daughter starting school – which means rethinking my schedule yet again.

It’s a new phase, and I know I’ll need to be even stricter with my boundaries and more intentional about how I manage my time. It’s a challenge, but it’s also an opportunity to reset priorities.

At The Nine, we’re taking a similar approach – focusing on fewer, but bigger and better events. Instead of spreading ourselves thin across multiple big parties or fundraisers, we’re putting our energy into making the ones we do truly exceptional.

And I think that’s a mindset I want to apply personally as well.

Small steps, big journeys.

And to wrap up: what would you love to see more of and less of in Brussels?

How long do we have? If I had to sum it up, I’d love to see more action, less talk.

Brussels is full of discussions, strategies and declarations but I’d like to see more people walking the walk rather than just saying the right things. Fewer insincerities, more genuine commitment. I’d rather someone openly disagree with me and take action than nod along without real intent.

I’d also love to see more political will – especially when it comes to tackling global inequalities. Brussels, and Europe as a whole, have long been voices for the voiceless, for human rights, for women’s rights, for fighting discrimination in all its forms. We need to hold on to that role and not get swayed by short-term political calculations.

Am I optimistic? Not always. But that’s exactly why spaces like The Nine exist – to be that brave space and a brave voice in the face of uncertainty.

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