Міжнародний жіночий день відзначається щорічно 8 березня, щоб вшанувати досягнення жінок і привернути увагу до прав жінок. Це нагода підвищити рівень обізнаності про такі питання, як гендерна рівність, репродуктивні права, боротьба з насильством та жорстоким поводженням з жінками. Рівність між жінками і чоловіками завжди була однією з основних цінностей і цілей Європейського Союзу, але поставлена мета все ще не досягнута повністю.

Як ЄС бореться за права жінок

Międzynarodowy Dzień Kobiet to święto, które obchodzimy co roku 8 marca, aby wyrazić uznanie dla dokonań kobiet i zwrócić uwagę na ich prawa. To okazja, by podnieść świadomość społeczeństwa na temat równości płci, praw reprodukcyjnych oraz walki z przemocą wobec kobiet. Równość kobiet i mężczyzn od zawsze należy bowiem do podstawowych wartości Unii Europejskiej. Niestety, chociaż to jeden z jej głównych celów, pełnej równości płci w Unii jeszcze nie udało się osiągnąć.

Jak Unia walczy o prawa kobiet

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International Women’s Day is held every year on 8 March. Equality between women and men is one of the objectives of the European Union.

Over time, legislation, case-law and changes to the Treates have helped shore up this principle and its implementation in the EU. The European Parliament has always been a fervent defender of the principle of equality between men and women.

On this occassion, Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of Belarus’ democratic forces,&nbsp;Palina Sharenda-Panasiuk, a Belarusian opposition activist,&nbsp;Leniie Umerova, a&nbsp;Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar activist&nbsp;and Tata Kepler, a Ukrainian volunteer in military medicine highlighted the ongoing struggles for freedom, justice, and democracy in Belarus and Ukraine, stressing the deep connection between both countries' fates. They called on the EU to maintain strong support for civil society, independent media, and political prisoners, particularly the many women still unjustly detained.Testimonies exposed the brutal realities of occupation, including torture, forced labour, and systematic repression in Russian-controlled territories. The message was clear: only a strong and united Europe can help secure freedom for Belarus and Ukraine, ensuring peace and stability for the entire region.

International Women’s Day

The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.&nbsp;

MEPs have voted during May 2023 plenary to approve the European Union’s accession to the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, concluding Parliament’s role in the process. Six years after the EU signed the Istanbul Convention - it has still not been ratified because of the refusal of a few member states, despite&nbsp;Parliament’s multiple calls to this end.

However, the EU&nbsp;Court of Justice’s opinion of 6 October 2021&nbsp;confirmed that the European Union can ratify the Istanbul Convention without having the agreement of all member states. The Court found that the appropriate scope for the EU’s accession is asylum, judicial cooperation in criminal matters, and obligations of the EU institutions and public administration.

The EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention does not exempt member states from ratifying it themselves, MEPs have repeatedly said, urging the remaining six countries - Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania and Slovakia - to ratify the Convention without delay, so that it can protect women to the full extent of the Convention’s intended scope

Violence against women

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The right to health, including sexual and reproductive health, is protected internationally.&nbsp;Access to sexual and reproductive healthcare goods and services is a fundamental component of sexual and reproductive rights.

Under international human rights law and standards, European Union Member States should ensure access to safe and quality sexual and reproductive healthcare.

A range of United Nations (UN) treaties ban discrimination in general terms, effectively outlawing discrimination in sexual and reproductive health and rights. These rights include the right to health and the right to family planning, equal access to service, freedom from violence and the right to life. Specific international treaty protections exist to combat discrimination on the grounds of sex, race, disability but not sexual orientation or gender identity.

At European level, the Council of Europe protects sexual and reproductive health and rights through the European Convention on Human Rights and through the Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention).

Sexual and reproductive health and rights

The Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, also known as the Istanbul Convention, is the first legally binding international instrument on this issue. It establishes a comprehensive framework of measures for preventing such violence, supporting victims and punishing perpetrators.

The European Parliament first sounded the alarm about the problem of violence against women in a resolution of 11 June 1986. Since then, Parliament has played a particularly important role in the field, including through the work of its Committee on Women's Rights and Gender Equality (FEMM). As of October 2020, it has been signed by all EU Member States, and ratified by 21.

Violence against women (2019-2020)

MEPs discuss the state of play and emerging trends in the combat against violence against women within the EU and internationally. On International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs highlight the persistence of gender-based violence across the world and call on the new Commission to act. They underscore the need to fully implement existing EU legislation and stand firm in the face of a growing backlash against gender equality and women’s rights.  

In April 2024, the European Parliament approved the first ever EU rules on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Member states have until 14 June 2027 to make the necessary changes in their national legislation. With support from the European Parliament, on 1 October 2023 the EU joined the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

MEPs engage with the Commission to address the urgent need to combat gender-based violence in Europe. Amid ongoing high-profile trials in Italy and France related to violent crimes against women, discussions will likely emphasize the importance of establishing a common EU definition of consent. MEPs are also expected to request an update on the implementation of the recently adopted EU directive aimed at enhancing protections for victims and preventing violence, particularly domestic violence.

The new legislation includes provisions to prohibit female genital mutilation and forced marriage, along with measures targeting online offenses. With a commitment to prioritizing equality, MEPs will urge the Commission to ensure effective transposition of these rules across member states, highlighting the necessity for accessible healthcare, sheltered accommodations for victims, and enhanced public awareness campaigns regarding consent and non-consensual acts.

Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

EP Plenary session - Use of rape as weapon of war, in particular in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan

EP Plenary session - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Interrnational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - ' Orange your world ', UN campaign to end violence against women and girls. European Parliament building in Strasbourg lights up in orange

Interrnational Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - ' Orange your world ', UN campaign to end violence against women and girls. Orange flag displayed outside the EP building in Brussels and Strasbourg.

EP Plenary session - Need to fight the systematic problem of gender based violence in Europe

EP Plenary session - Combating violence against women and domestic violence

EP Plenary session - Oral question - The EU priorities for the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women

Press conference Chair on Violence against women

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - ' Orange your world ', UN campaign to end violence against women and girls. Orange flag flown outside the EP building in Brussels

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women - ' Orange your world ', UN campaign to end violence against women and girls. Orange flag flown outside the EP building in Strasbourg.

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - International day for the elimination of violence against women

EP Plenary session - Debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 144) Latest attacks against women, women's rights defenders in Iran, and its arbitrary detention of EU nationals

EP Plenary session - Commission statement - Violence and discrimination in the world of sports after the FIFA Women’s World Cup

Trilogue on violence against women

Press conference on combating violence against women and domestic violence

LIBE/FEMM vote on combating violence against women and domestic violence

Press conference on the EU ratification of Istanbul Convention on combating violence against women

EP Plenary session - Joint debate - EU accession to the Istanbul Convention on violence against women

MEPs debate for more to be done to stop gender-based cyberviolence, in light of the worrisome increase in those affected by it during the COVID-19 pandemic. MEPs will consider offline and online gender-based violence as facets of the same problem. Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

Combating gender-based cyberviolence: closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

MEPs debate for more to be done to stop gender-based cyberviolence, in light of the worrisome increase in those affected by it during the COVID-19 pandemic. MEPs will consider offline and online gender-based violence as facets of the same problem. Continuation of the debate.

Combating gender-based cyberviolence: MEPs debate (continuation)

MEPs debate for more to be done to stop gender-based cyberviolence, in light of the worrisome increase in those affected by it during the COVID-19 pandemic. MEPs will consider offline and online gender-based violence as facets of the same problem.

Combating gender-based cyberviolence: MEPs debate

MEPs debate for more to be done to stop gender-based cyberviolence, in light of the worrisome increase in those affected by it during the COVID-19 pandemic. MEPs will consider offline and online gender-based violence as facets of the same problem. Opening statements by Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI (EPP, EL) and by Sylwia SPUREK (Greens/EFA, PL), rapporteurs and by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

Combating gender-based cyberviolence: opening statements by Elissavet VOZEMBERG-VRIONIDI (EPP, EL), Sylwia SPUREK (Greens/EFA, PL), rapporteurs and by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

The Women’s Rights and the Civil Liberties committees discussed a legislative initiative calling for a directive to establish the minimum rules concerning: the definition of the crime of gender-based cyber-violence and related sanctions; new measures to promote the prevention of this crime; and to ensure justice and support for victims. A panel was also organised for the yearly meeting on "Eliminating Violence against Women"which explored the current state of affairs in policy and practice in focused areas of gender-based violence.

Combating Gender based Violence - Cyber Violence: statement by Sylwia SPUREK (GREENS/EFA, PL), Rapporteur and extracts of the meeting on "Eliminating Violence against Women" panel on cyberviolence

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and in the framework of the 'Orange the world' initiative, the EP buildings is lit up in orange and MEPs hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: illumination of the EP buildings and extracts from the debate

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and in the framework of the ‘Orange the World’ initiative, the EP buildings in Brussels are lit up in orange.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women: illumination of the EP buildings

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention: closing statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Second part of the debate.

The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention: MEPs debate (part 2/2)

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Continuation of the first part of the debate.

The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention: MEPs debate (continuation of part 1/2)

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. First part of the debate.

The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention: MEPs debate (part 1/2)

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November), MEPs hold a debate on the lack of progress regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention. Opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

The International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women and the State of play on the ratification of the Istanbul Convention: opening statement by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

MEPs debate and vote on the impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children during the plenary session in Strasbourg (4 - 7 october 2021). Statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) and Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs, extracts from the debate (04/10) and result of the final vote

The impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children: statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) and Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs, extracts from the debate (04/10) and result of the final vote

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate the impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children. Opening statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs and by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

The impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children: opening statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs and by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate the impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children. Closing statements by Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL) Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), co-rapporteurs and by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality.

The impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children: closing statements by Helena DALLI, European Commissioner for Equality and by Luisa REGIMENTI (EPP, IT), Elena KOUNTOURA (The Left, EL), co-rapporteurs

During the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg (4-7 October 2021), MEPs debate the impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children.

The impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children: MEPs debate

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs debate on how to identify gender-based violence as a new area of crime listed in Article 83(1) TFEU. MEPs to call for gender-based violence to be classified as a crime under EU law to better protect victims, Parliament is set to call for online and offline gender-based violence to be included as a new area of crime in the EU treaties.

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