Goedele Liekens: From Miss Belgium to Politician and Advocate

Goedele Liekens, born January 21, 1963, in Aarschot, Belgium, has forged a multifaceted career encompassing beauty pageantry, psychology, television hosting and politics. Her journey from being crowned Miss Belgium 1986 to serving as a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives demonstrates a commitment to both public service and challenging societal norms.

Early Life and Education

Liekens grew up in Begijnendijk, a rural village in Flanders. She pursued her education at the Free University of Brussels, studying psychology and completing an internship within a prison setting, working with inmates serving life sentences [1]. Following her reign as Miss Belgium, she continued her studies and earned a master’s degree in clinical and adult psychology from the University of Brussels [5].

Miss Belgium and International Stage

In 1986, Liekens gained national prominence by winning the title of Miss Belgium [3]. Her participation in the Miss Universe 1986 competition in Panama was marked by a bold act of defiance. She refused to shake hands with General Manuel Noriega, the then-head of state, citing his “incorrect and faulty regime” [1]. This act brought international attention and established her as a figure willing to grab a stand on political principles.

Career in Media and Politics

Liekens transitioned into a career in television, becoming known for her open and direct discussions of sensitive topics, particularly those related to sexuality. She is recognized in the UK as the presenter of the Channel 4 sex education program ‘Sex in Class’ [2].

In 2019, Liekens entered the political arena, being elected as a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives for Anders (formerly Open Flemish Liberals and Democrats) [1]. She continues to serve in this role, advocating for various social and political causes.

Recent Security Concerns

In May 2024, it was revealed that Liekens was targeted by hackers for months, becoming one of several members of the Chamber of Representatives to experience such security breaches [2]. The breach involved malware delivered through an email seemingly from a colleague, granting hackers access to her Dropbox account. Liekens has called for increased IT security measures within the Chamber to protect against future attacks [2].

Personal Life

Goedele Liekens was married to Chris Cockmartin from 1996 until their divorce in 2006. They have two children together [1].

You can find more information about Goedele Liekens on her official website: www.goedele.be