It is with deep emotion and great sadness that we learn of the passing of Magdeleine Willame-Boonen, who, throughout her political career, was a passionate defender of human rights and, more specifically, of gender equality. A member of the first Human Trafficking Subcommittee of the Senate, Magdeleine Willame-Boonen was a pioneer in the fight against this contemporary form of slavery. Her extensive technical knowledge of the issues, her sharp and pragmatic intelligence, and her unwavering determination, combined with a remarkable elegance—both moral and in demeanor—helped significantly advance the Belgian legislative framework in the fight against human trafficking, particularly in terms of prevention and victim protection.

In 2007, Magdeleine Willame-Boonen was part of the small core group of key figures that, a few months later, led to the creation of the Samilia Foundation.

She honored us by being among the very first members of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, providing the vision and drive necessary for what Samilia has become today, and she was its leading figure.

The Samilia Foundation pays tribute to an extraordinary woman whose legacy will remain in the memories of generations of activists fighting against human trafficking and all forms of discrimination.