[Brussels, 20 October 2011] On Wednesday 19 October, EWL Secretary General, Cécile Gréboval, and EWL Communications and Media Officer, Leanda Barrington-Leach, were invited to the UK Permanent Representation to the EU to meet with Lynne Featherstone, the British junior minister in charge of equalities. On this occasion, the EWL representatives and Ms. Featherstone held a meaningful exchange on UK and EU policies regarding violence against women, the Maternity Leave Directive which is currently blocked in the Council of the EU, and recent developments regarding EU action to promote parity on company boards of administration. For both the UK minister and the EWL, these three issues are priorities. Differences of approaches, points of convergence and opportunities for future cooperation were discussed. The EWL is notably hoping for the support of the British Under-Secretary to help ensure EU action to combat violence against women, a personal priority for Ms. Featherstone.
