Working Structures

The Feminist Economics Working Group is dedicated to advancing a transformation of the economy grounded in principles of equality, well-being, social justice, and care – seen as a universal collective imperative for both women and men. They aim to achieve this by sharing and developing expertise in various aspects of feminist economics, drawing from existing work within the EWL membership and cultivating new perspectives. The group actively collaborates with feminist academics across disciplines, engaging not only with those specialising in feminist economics but also experts from diverse fields. Additionally, they forge connections with other stakeholders involved in alternative economic matters, fostering a collaborative environment for the exchange and pooling of knowledge. The group also plays a pivotal role in preparing and formulating proposals to update the ‘Purple Pact’, EWL’s position on a feminist economic model, for wider dissemination and discussion within the EWL membership.

The Group advocates for institutional mechanisms that ensure the effective implementation of gender mainstreaming and the equal political participation of women. It is committed to advocate for parity democracy both at national and EU levels, employing a multifaceted approach that involves engagement with various channels such as national governments, EU presidencies, and preparations for the European Parliament elections. The experts actively share knowledge on developments in national elections that impact women’s representation in politics, as well as on the European Parliament elections and women’s participation therein. The group extends its support to EWL’s objectives at the national level through actions like content dissemination and collaboration with national stakeholders, including Members of the European Parliament. Additionally, they oversee the monitoring of the implementation of the Women on Boards Directive at the national level and ensure that EWL’s initiatives pertaining to Women in Decision-making are meticulously planned and executed in close collaboration with EWL member organisations.

This group’s objective is to eradicate gender stereotypes and eliminate male violence against women and girls. This encompasses providing them with unfettered access to their sexual and reproductive health and rights, ultimately affording them a life devoid of sexual exploitation. These aims are aligned with the principles outlined in the CEDAW Convention, specifically Article 11(f), which underscores the entitlement to health protection and secure working conditions, including safeguarding reproductive function.

The purpose of this taskforce is to draw attention to regional challenges, invite reflections on ways to engage with EWL, exchange best practices that strengthen and highlight the role and contribution of women in critical crisis situations that directly affect both the population of the respective areas and their vicinity, as well as the activity of member organisations.

The Observatory brings together a dynamic group of women who have extensive expertise and experience in the area of violence against women, coming from different countries in Europe and appointed by the European Women’s Lobby members. This extensive and Pan-European expertise and experience has been instrumental for the European Women’s Lobby to design its advocacy and policy activities on the basis of a comprehensive understanding of the situation in Europe regarding the different types of male violence against women (VAW), and the challenges and opportunities that women and women’s organisations face. The EWL Observatory gives also a feminist space for sharing knowledge and information; bridging regional initiatives; developing common tools; stimulating reflection and mobilising members and women’s organisations.