[Brussels, 20 November 2015] The EWL Observatory on violence against women was in Vilnius for two important meetings, during which the experts strengthened their work, exchanged important information and developed strategies for EU action towards the eradication of violence against women.
On 11 November, the EWL Observatory met with the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE) to exchange on their respective activities, learn from EIGE initiatives, and discuss joint possible actions. EIGE presented its Gender Equality Index and their Gender Mainstreaming Platform. An interactive discussion took place about opportunities for collaboration to end violence against women, both through the work of EIGE on data collection, and the advocacy work of the EWL on the Istanbul Convention. A final session was dedicated to communicating around gender equality. The EWL is delighted that EIGE offered this opportunity.
On 12 November, the experts to the EWL Observatory met in the premises of the Ministry for Social Affairs and had a very inspiring and intense day of work. Based on EWL’s Strategic Framework, they discussed their contribution to EWL goals, in particular regarding the ratification of the Istanbul Convention in all member states. Bringing experts from the 28 EU member states, 3 accessing countries (Macedonia, Serbia and Turkey) as well as Iceland and Ukraine, the EWL Observatory is a key tool for the EWL to advocate for an EU strategy to end violence against women, as part of a broader EU Strategy on Equality between women and men.
