The European Women’s Lobby (EWL) brings together the women’s movement in Europe to influence the general public and European Institutions in support of women’s human rights and equality between women and men.
We are the largest European umbrella network of women’s associations representing a total of more than 2000 organisations in 26 EU Member States, four Candidate Countries, one former EU Member State and one European Free Trade Association country, as well as 17 European-wide organisations representing the diversity of women and girls in Europe. EWL envisions a society in which women’s contribution to all aspects of life is recognised, rewarded and celebrated – in leadership, in care and in production; all women have self-confidence, freedom of choice, and freedom from violence and exploitation; and no woman or girl is left behind.
Read EWL’s Strategic Framework 2022-2026 Women Changing Europe
Vision
We have a vision of a Feminist Europe, in which all women and girls enjoy equal rights and participation in power and decision-making structures across all levels of society. Liberated from all forms of oppression and exploitation, women and girls have true freedom of choice, and live lives free from sexism and all forms of violence. Women’s contribution to all aspects of social, political and cultural life is recognised, rewarded and celebrated.
Mission
We represent an inclusive, fearless, loud, independent feminist voice and bring the voices of women and girls into the European political arena. We act as a catalyst connecting different actors to bring transformational change at both national and European level. Representing the diversity of the women’s movement across Europe, we build consensus and mobilise our members’ collective experience and expertise to work on major issues affecting women and girls. We strive to realise women’s rights, equality between women and men and social justice, leaving no woman and girl behind.
EWL’s 7 core values
- Equality between women and men
- Diversity
- Peace
- Dignity
- Justice
- Respect
- Solidarity
EWL’s 5 key principles
- Women’s rights are Human Rights
- Equality
- Autonomy
- Participation
- Inclusion
