[Brussels, 5 september 2014] After a summer with ups and downs for women’s rights in Europe, the European Women’s Lobby (EWL) is back with its 2-weekly newsletter.
Summer 2014 was first warm and full of optimistic news; the entry into force of the Istanbul Convention, the protests of smiling women in Turkey, a positive evaluation of the Norwegian legislation on prostitution, and for the EWL itself a successful 50/50 campaign wrap up and the full funding of its project “Young women leaders are voices for girls & women”.
But then the tides turned. The weather in Europe was cloudy and rainy and there was the European Commission’s proposal to shelve the Maternity Leave Directive. As EWL, we acted immediately with the new European Parliament, Civil Society and Trade Union partners, and the media, to raise the alarm; we are now waiting for news on the issue. The European Commission itself struggles to include women in its College and now remains at a status quo regarding gender balance (9/28), the same as former Commission Barroso. Women’s sexual rights are being under attack again, this time in Ireland.
Despite bad news, all EWL members are continuing to fight the backlash and to defend the rights of all women in Europe. Our commitment can’t be put down and we start this new Autumn with renewed energy and determination!
We are preparing our Beijing+20 report assessing the work of the EU to put the words of the Beijing Platform for Action into action and realise women’s rights and empowerment. We will launch it on 10 October, at the eve of our Annual Conference in Lisbon, where our members from all over Europe will meet to discuss new ideas, strengthen our work and develop strategies for next year.
We are also co-organising the second European Citizens Summit, which will take place in Brussels on 23-24 September, and will be a unique opportunity to discuss the Europe we want, with citizens and NGOS from different perspectives and countries.
Hopefully, you also have energy and optimism to see women’s rights realised in Europe soon! So let’s continue to make a change together! Have a nice Autumn!
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