European & International News

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European & International News
Rethinking Protection, Power and Movements

Lessons from Women Human Rights Defenders in Mesoamerica

Posted on 18 January 2018 |

[Brussels 18 January 2018] The EWL warmly recommends Rethinking Protection, Power, and Movements: lessons from women human rights defenders in Mesoamerica, a publication by the international feminist organisation JASS (Just Associates).
The report brings a feminist and social movement perspective to the urgent question of why—despite advances in legal and institutional protections—women activists and their organizations are more at risk than ever. Faced with increasing violence against (...) Read more
European & International News
Work-Life-Balance Directive: update end 2017

Posted on 13 December 2017 |

[Brussels, 12 December 2017] In April 2017, the European Commission launched its proposal for a Directive on family related leave covering parental leave, paternity leave, carer’s leave and the right to request flexible working arrangements on return to work for reasons related to care responsibilities. The Directive, once adopted, will replace the existing EU Directive on Parental leave (2010/18/EU) negotiated and adopted by the Social Partners in 2010. The WLB Directive will be part of the (...) Read more
European & International News
Find out what is coming next: International events on violence against women and girls

16 days of activism to end violence against women and girls 2017

Posted on 15 November 2017 |

[Brussels, 15 November 2017] The European Women’s Lobby (EWL) is pleased to outline some of the international events on violence against women happening in the coming weeks, organised by EWL members or in which EWL representatives will be taking part.
On the 20th of November the 3rd Annual Colloquium on fundamental rights, organised by the European Commission will take place in Brussels organised by the European Commission. This years’ focus will be on “Women’s rights in turbulent times” and (...) Read more
European & International News
2017 Annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights

Posted on 14 November 2017 |

[Brussels, 14 November, Communication from DG Justice, European Commission] The 2017 Annual Colloquium on Fundamental Rights will take place in Brussels on 20 and 21 November. This year’s focus will be on "Women’s rights in turbulent times". The objective of the Annual Colloquium is to improve mutual cooperation and greater political engagement for the promotion and protection of key fundamental rights in the EU.
This year’s Colloquium will be a forum in which political decision-makers in the (...) Read more
European & International News
European Social Summit // November 17

OUR EUROPE: Civil society & the future of the EU

Posted on 10 November 2017 |

[Brussels, 10 November 2017] Together with the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker, Sweden’s Prime Minister Stefan Löfven will host a Social Summit in Gothenburg on 17 November 2017, focusing on promoting fair jobs and growth.
The Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth will gather heads of state or government, the social partners and other key players to work together on a more social Europe and to promote fair jobs and growth. EWL Vice-President Elvy Svennerstal will (...) Read more
European & International News
Women of Europe Awards 2017

Posted on 10 November 2017 |

[Brussels, 10 November 2017] The Women of Europe Awards are organised by the European Movement International and the European Women’s Lobby, building upon the national awards of several National European Movement Councils. The awards are handed out annually to honour women striving to advance the European project in their professional or private capacity.
The role of women in the European project remains largely unrecognised, and the awards highlight the contribution of women in promoting (...) Read more
European & International News
Women in power: Major inequalities remain across Europe

Council of Europe report shows

Posted on 6 November 2017 |

[Brussels, 6 November 2017] The Council of Europe recently published a report on balanced participation of women and men in political and public decision-making.
The report shows that European countries are still struggling to achieve gender balance in public decision-making, according to a new report from the Council of Europe. The report looks at progress made by 46 countries towards the goal set by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in 2003 of having at least 40% of both men (...) Read more
European & International News
The European Parliament adopts a strong report on the EU accession to the Istanbul Convention

Posted on 29 September 2017 |

[Brussels, 29 September 2017] The European Women’s Lobby welcomes the adoption of a key European Parliament resolution on the EU accession to the Istanbul Convention, the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. Passing with a large majority of 489 votes to 114 with 69 abstentions, it is encouraging to see such a robust message on the EU’s commitment to combat against violence against women and girls. Our member Barbara Cleary, (...) Read more
European & International News
EWL joins 5.2 Global Partnership and calls for a strong gender dimension in the new Global Action Plan to end trafficking

Posted on 18 September 2017 |

[Brussels, 18 September 2017] On September 27 and 28, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly and Member States will review the Global Plan of Action to Combat Trafficking in Persons (launched in 2010) and issue a Political Declaration outlining the way forward in the fight against trafficking.
In its definition of exploitation, the 2010 Action Plan defines includes "the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labour or services, slavery or (...) Read more
European & International News
New CEDAW General Recommendation 35 prioritises gender-based violence against women

Posted on 15 September 2017 |

[Brussels, 15 September 2017] In July 2017, the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW Committee) adopted a new General Recommendation, which builds on a previous key document, General Recommendation 19.
General Recommendation 35 updates the previous text, and provides a strong reference and tool for advocacy action for women’s organisations. Taking stock of the developments of the last 25 years, GR 35 reaffirms the UN commitment to a world free from violence (...) Read more