[Brussels, 08 September 2011] Violence against women and girls is the most pervasive violation of women’s human rights within Europe and beyond. While European Union (EU) external policies have integrated increased commitments to ending the scourge of violence against women and girls and promoting their sexual and reproductive health and rights, the lack of common legislation to deal with widespread abuses of women within Europe’s borders is striking.
Bringing together the perspectives of NGOs and policy-makers from EU and international levels, the Roundtable discussion will seek to explore and challenge the EU’s current internal and external policy approaches in this field, and develop concrete recommendations for comprehensive and coherent European action.
Sirpa Pietikäinen MEP, Finland, EPP
Catherine Stihler MEP, UK, S&D
& Antonyia Parvanova MEP, Bulgaria, ALDE
cordially invite you to a Roundtable discussion:
Ending Violence against Women and Girls &
European Union Internal and External Policies:
The Way Forward
European Parliament ASP 5G305
Tuesday 20 September 2011, 13.30 – 15.30
13h30 – Opening word: Sirpa Pietikäinen, Member of the European Parliament (MEP)
13h40-14h40 – Ending Violence against Women and Girls: The perspective of Non Governmental Organisationss
Roundtable followed by discussion chaired by Catherine Stihler MEP
- Brigitte Triems, President of the European Women’s Lobby
- Manisha Gupte, co-founder of MASUM, India, member of the International Women Health Meeting
- Tetiana Slobodian, Ukraine, member of Astra Youth and the International Women Health Meeting
- Gabi Heller, Hungary, member of the World Association of Girls Guides and Girls Scouts
- Stephanie Darmanin, Malta, member of the World Association of Girls Guides and Girls Scouts
14h40-15h30 – Responses of institutions to Violence against Women and Girls
Roundtable followed by discussion chaired by Antonyia Parvanova MEP
- Katariina Leinonen, Human Rights Policy Guidelines Division, European External Action Service
- Dagmar Schumacher, Director of UN Women Brussels Office
