Born in Stockholm to a Danish father and Swedish mother, Ann Birgitta Ohlin grew up in several countries, surrounded by different cultures, each shaping her path in unique ways. “After Stockholm, we moved to St. Gallen in Switzerland. My first brother was born there. Then came Copenhagen and another brother, and eventually Rome, where I welcomed my third one. Sadly, it was also there that my mother passed away in a tragic car accident,” she recounts, in a soft yet composed tone. Her story is not just a biography ; it is a testament to endurance and the strength of the human spirit.

Her journey continued with moves to Zürich and eventually Brussels at the age of 18, where she came to improve her French, working as an au pair. Life, however, had other plans. “I met my future husband here and stayed. I’ve now lived most of my life in Brussels, even becoming a Belgian citizen. My two boys were born here.”

But life was not always kind. Her eldest son died in a car accident, a loss that led her through almost a decade of darkness. “I stopped working and moved to the south of France, near Narbonne. I loved it there. The light, the calm — It helped me find some peace.” In 2018, she returned to Brussels, drawn back by family, especially by her younger son and his children. “Now, I feel most at home here. But in truth, I feel at home in many places : Rome, Zurich, Stockholm, and Narbonne. I have friends everywhere. That makes the world feel like home.”

Her professional path was as diverse as her upbringing. She studied Fashion Design in Zürich and later at the Danish Design School in Copenhagen. In Brussels, she worked as a secretary for several American European companies before joining the European Commission’s Translation Service. “I speak Danish, Swedish, German, English, Italian, some Hungarian… and of course, French, my best language now.”

It was during her time at the Commission that she first heard about Femmes d’Europe, through the Christmas Bazaar. But it wasn’t until her return from France, just as the Covid pandemic hit, that she decided to join. “I wanted to be useful, to help. So I joined the Danish group. I already knew some members from my time at the Translation Service.”

Helping and volunteering are not new to her. For nearly 30 years, she has been an active member of Soroptimist International and currently serves as President of its Club Bruxelles Doyen. “I’ve always loved to help others. I’m happy in my life now, and I want to share that appiness. If I can make others smile, then I’ve done well.”

When asked what she loves most about Femmes d’Europe, her answer comes easily : “it’s the multinationalism, the multilingualism, the joy we share together. These women are remarkable, and we all get along so well. We prove that women working together know no barriers.”

Her favourite moment of the year ? “The Christmas Bazaar, without a doubt. I’m always involved with the Danish group and bring my handmade creations. It’s such a beautiful, energetic atmosphere — so many nationalities, so much talent.” Her energy is contagious, and it comes from a deeply rooted passion for colour and creativity. “I get energy from creating. Painting, photography, mosaics, textile design and jewellery made with Japanese glass pearls bring me joy. It’s my way of sharing beauty and happiness.”

Living in Brussels suits her now. “It’s green, multicultural, a capital but still manageable. You have everything here… except maybe the perfect weather !” she laughs. “But that’s alright. You can’t have it all. What I do love is the location ; you’re two hours away from London, Amsterdam, Cologne, Paris. And I feel safe here.”

What about restaurants ? “Too many favourites to name just one,” she smiles. “I enjoy all the diversity, and I feel at ease in every group. The multiculturalism enriches me.”

When asked to sum up her life philosophy, she reflects for just a moment before responding : “Creating with joy, sharing with love. That’s me.”

And indeed, it is.

Interview by Alexandra Paucescou
Member of the Communications Committee