Craft, collaboration, and the Atlantic crossing

TheMerode is pleased to invite you to a conversation centred on the voices and experiences of Adélaïde Charlier and Maïté Meeûs, whose engagement within the Women Wave Project places climate justice, feminism and collective action at the heart of this encounter. Joined by Benoît Loicq and Théo Loicq, founders of the SAVILE Project, the talk explores how creative collaboration and activism intersect through a shared commitment to meaningful change.

Women Wave is a 100% female Atlantic crossing initiated to reach COP30 in Belém, carrying a strong political and social message around climate justice and gender equality. More than a symbolic journey, the project gathers activists, sailors and creators determined to amplify women’s voices within environmental debates and to highlight the urgency of collective action.

The Savile Project, originally conceived as a lightweight carbon-fibre rowing boat combining performance with artisanal craft, became a catalyst for support, helping raise visibility and resources that contributed to making the Women Wave crossing possible.

Within this dialogue, Adélaïde Charlier and Maïté Meeûs share their perspectives from within the crew: the political motivations behind the voyage, the experience of navigating together across the Atlantic, and the way activism can unfold through both physical endurance and collective storytelling.

Rather than focusing solely on an object or a technical achievement, this conversation highlights the human dimension of the project: the role of solidarity, feminist engagement and ecological awareness in shaping a new narrative around art, design and activism. It invites reflection on how collaborative initiatives can move beyond aesthetics to become platforms for social and environmental transformation.

speaker

At just 23, Maïté launched the movement 'Balance Ton Bar', which aimed to expose the alarming phenomenon of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. She dedicated herself to amplifying this movement, successfully spreading the initiative to over 50 cities worldwide. Her activism drew significant attention from both the political and media spheres, leading to impactful changes, including the reform of the Sexual Penal Code in Belgium. In recognition of her dedication to victims of violence, Maïté was awarded the Amnesty International Youth Human Rights Prize in April 2022. Maïté is also the founder of Artémise, a non-profit organization focused on supporting the most vulnerable survivors of sexual violence, including both children and adults. Artémise provides a safe space for survivors to speak out, rebuild, and express themselves.

speaker

Adélaïde Charlier is a renowned climate and social justice activist who has been at the forefront of youth-led movements for change. As a co-founder of Youth For Climate Belgium, she has mobilized thousands of young people and played a pivotal role in climate marches, campaigns, and international conferences. Currently studying Political & Social Sciences, Adélaïde combines her academic knowledge with real-world experiences to deepen her understanding of the complex challenges we face. Her advocacy extends beyond borders, having sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and advised the Vice President of the European Commission on addressing the urgent issues of our generation. Passionate about sports, particularly triathlon, Adélaïde exemplifies discipline and perseverance. Her passion for physical and mental resilience translates into her activism, where she strives to protect the interconnected aspects of our world.

speaker

Entrepreneur – Designer – Deep-sea merchant marine officer

speaker

Entrepreneur – Podcaster – Political sciences and international relations

Craft, collaboration, and the Atlantic crossing

Maïté Meeûs

Adélaïde Charlier

Benoît Loicq

Théo Loicq

Become a member

Reach us

Craft, collaboration, and the Atlantic crossing

Maïté Meeûs

Adélaïde Charlier

Benoît Loicq

Théo Loicq

Become a member

Reach us

Newsletter