In memory of Fiorella Ghilardotti who passed away on 13 September 2005

Fiorella Ghilardotti was President of PES Women from 1997 to 2004 and a long term campaigner for women's rights in Italy and Europe. She was a Member of the European Parliament 1994-2004. She worked tirelessly for better representation of women in socialist and social democratic parties throughout Europe. She helped newly formed or reformed parties from central and eastern Europe join the PES and will be particularly remembered for her support for women in those parties. Fiorella Ghilardotti was active until the end, attending the Global Progressive Forum in Milan last weekend (9-10 September).

Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, President of the Party of European Socialists, said "I saw Fiorella for the last time only days ago at the Global Progressive Forum in Milan. She was so involved and passionate.  Fiorella challenged, inspired and engaged us all. She was a woman who commanded affection and respect in equally large doses. Fiorella will live on in our hearts as a real fighter for women's rights."

Zita Gurmai, current President of PES Women and a member of the Hungarian Socialist Party, said "Fiorella was a kind and lively woman who helped us a lot in central and eastern Europe. She was a real European who always treated women from new PES member parties as equal partners.  Her advice and teaching will live on in our fondest memories. Her commitment and warm personality will be sadly missed."