[Brussels, 11 Janaury 2013] 2012 was a very intense and fruitful year for the European Women’s Lobby. Despite the worries that we share with a lot of activists about the degrading economic and social situation of women in Europe and the fact that progress is sometimes, not as quick as desired, our activities last year proved quite successful. In November, the EWL received TWO European awards for the work on two very important issues: promoting parity on corporate boards and raising awareness on what prostitution means for women. These awards are also YOUR awards, because the work of the EWL is made possible by the support of committed organisations and individuals like you, who want to change the world!
In 2013, the EWL will continue its work and campaigns on all the topics that matter to move towards equality and justice for all women. The Campaign “2 years overdue” aims to ensure progress in the important legislation on maternity leave. The EWL will also continue to address decision-makers in order to strengthen action against violence against women (VAW), through the adoption of a European Year against violence, but also asking the EU and Member States to ratify the Council of Europe Convention on VAW. During 2013, European Year on Citizens, the EWL will also focus on the promotion of women in all areas of decision-making, supporting the adoption of European legislation on gender equality on corporate boards, speeding up our successful 50/50 Campaign for Democracy and leading a very innovative Political Mentoring Network in order to move towards parity democracy for the European elections 2014.
In 2013, we will continue to try to move things forward, to make people who matter look at things from a different angle and take into account issues which are sometimes dismissed in favour of a “bigger picture”. On 14 February 2013, the EWL will organise its first event of the year, in the heart of Brussels we will dance and shout and sing for what we believe in, and rise up with the demand that violence against women and girls stop. We wish our members, partners, friends and colleagues a wonderful, successfully feminist year 2013 and hope that we will be able to continue to count on your support, commitment and action!
Cécile Gréboval
EWL Secretary General
