In Finland, a panel discussion was held in Helsinki organised by Nytkis. The Istanbul Convention has been strongly on Nytkis’ political agenda this year. On the International Day for the Elimination of VAW, 25.11, Nytkis carried out 63 events all around Finland where they raised awareness on the need of shelters (crucial question in Finland) in connection to Istanbul Convention. On the 4th of December, Nytkis held a public event in relation to the European Parliament elections next spring. The first part was dedicated to the 50/50 Campaign, the need for parity democracy and equal political participation of women and men. The second part of the event was dedicated to the Istanbul Convention. The main theme discussed was the need to adapt the legal definition of rape to the Istanbul Convention which will ensure that the lack of consent is the constituent element of crime, moving away from the requirement of use of physical force. Therefore, the ratification of the Istanbul Convention is considered as a crucial step towards the eradication of violence against women and rape. More information at website of the facebook event and nytkis website: http://www.nytkis.org/index.php?k=15485.
