Belgian Hub for Female Entrepreneurship

When #SheDIDIT, a Belgian organisation supporting women entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds, needed expert legal guidance to comply with new Belgian legislation, Pro Publico matched them with the legal expertise of Dentons Brussels. This pro bono partnership allowed #SheDIDIT to align its governance documents with the new legal requirements and support its mission of empowering women to succeed as entrepreneurs in Belgium.

Supporting #SheDIDIT’s Mission to Empower Diverse Women Entrepreneurs

#SheDIDIT was founded with a commitment to creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape for women in Belgium, aiming to break down barriers and provide resources for women of all backgrounds to succeed. In light of recent updates to nonprofit regulations in Belgium, #SheDIDIT reached out to Pro Publico for pro bono legal support to update its articles of association and strengthen internal governance practices.

Dentons’ Expertise in Action

Brussels’ office of Dentons’ international law firm took on #SheDIDIT’s matter with enthusiasm and dedication. Partner Laurends Engelen and associates Aurore Ancion and Martijn Segers engaged in preparatory meetings with #SheDIDIT’s founder Lien Warmenbol and board member Radhika Singh to understand their specific needs and the organisation’s underlying values. This approach allowed Dentons to tailor their service to ensure that #SheDIDIT’s governance documents would not only meet legal standards but also reflect the organisation’s mission.

Dentons meticulously reviewed #SheDIDIT’s articles of association, restructured and redrafted the necessary documents, and then filed them with the court on behalf of the organisation. Their attention to detail and dedication to understanding #SheDIDIT’s unique mission brought valuable clarity and structure to the organisation’s internal processes.

The Outcome: Empowering Governance for Long-Term Impact

Thanks to Dentons’ assistance, #SheDIDIT now has governance documents that comply with Belgian nonprofit laws and reflect the roles and responsibilities of board members clearly. This foundation enables #SheDIDIT to focus on its mission with confidence. Lien Warmenbol, #SheDIDIT’s founder, expressed her gratitude, saying: “The team at Dentons was incredibly friendly, engaged, and professional. They took the time to understand our needs and provided thoughtful, thorough follow-up.”

Pro Publico’s Role in Facilitating Impactful Pro Bono Connections

This successful collaboration underscores the impact of Pro Publico’s matchmaking services, ensuring that civil society organisations like #SheDIDIT receive the high-calibre support they needed to thrive. Pro Publico is proud to connect professionals with civil society organisations on causes that matter, helping to build a more equitable and inclusive society across Europe.

Interested in joining our pro bono network or have a case in need of support? Contact Pro Publico to explore how you can make a difference or submit your request for assistance.

Thanks to @Laurens Engelen @Aurore Ancion @Martijn Serges @Dentons @Lien Warmenbol @Radhika Singh @SheDIDIT @Francesco Zatelli @ProPublico 

#ProBonoSupport #CivilSocietyEmpowerment #DentonsBrussels #SheDIDIT #ProPublico #LegalAid #NGOSupport #WomenInBusiness