TedxBrussels has for many years set out to "bring world class speakers to Brussels to push the frontiers of our knowledge." For 2018 their theme is "A Brave New World"  where they explore what the future can have in store for us. 

Among its distinguished speakers, TedxBrussels has invited Alexander Bard. Bard describes himself as a philosopher and author. He is also fiercely against the #metoo movement, and many would say, women in general. 

Bard has made many violently problematic statements regarding the #metoo movement, going as far as saying that the women who have come forth are lying. A few, but certainly not all, examples:  

• "The #metoo campaign is just the dialectical guilt response of 150 million neurotic women for having read #Fiftyshadesofgrey. With pleasure."
• History is full of women accusing men of sexual assaults that never happened. How did women suddenly become 100% credible in 2017? #metoo
• Guys, don't flirt with girls. Ever. And when they flirt with you, ignore. It should at least keep you safe - until they start lying. #metoo
• In feminist jargon, a woman who accuses a man of rape is automatically "a survivor of sexual assault". But what if she just made it all up?

By inviting Bard to speak at their event, TedxBrussels are saying that they find it fully acceptable to give a platform to someone who has a rock-bottom perception of women. 

2017 was the year the roar of women shook the world. Countless courageous women* around the globe shared their stories. Demanding change and a new reality.  

TedxBrussels decision is a slap in the face to women everywhere. 

For those who argue that Bard will be speaking about cyber philosophy and not women's rights, I ask you, would he still have been invited if he had made racist statements? What about homophobic statements? Had TedxBrussels wanted to be associated with him then? Well, he has made both racist and Islamophobic remarks. 

This petition asks TedxBrussels to support women, all women*, in their battle against institutionalised sexism and misogyny around the world, and not be part of it.  

TedxBrussels, you are discussing "A brave new world" - well women are brave, and they want a new world. 

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*women: anyone who identifies as a woman