Workers' Group President calls for action ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

1 in 3 women have experienced gender-based violence in the European Union. Meanwhile, legislative frameworks for victims of gender-based violence remain fragmented across various directives and regulations. Ahead of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the President of the EESC Workers' Group, Oliver Röpke issued the following statement:

"It is unacceptable that women and an girls continue to face physical, sexual and psychological violence. Millions of women are still denied the basic right to leave free from fear and harm.

"In recent years we have witnessed individuals bravely share their stories and demand real action on violence against women. Across the world, the #MeToo movement challenged perpetrators and lifted the veil of silence. We must act on their call and build a world without violence against women and girls.

"The European Commission's proposal for a directive to combat violence against women and domestic violence is a very positive step in this direction. This proposal would address shortcomings in existing legislation and ensure that the most egregious forms of violence against women are criminalized across the EU. At the same time, we are calling for all Member States to ratify the ILO's Violence and Harassment Convention (No 190) and the Istanbul Convention."

EESC Workers' Group member José Antonio Moreno Díaz was the rapporteur for the EESC Opinion on Combating violence against women. Calling for an inclusive approach to combating violence against women, he said:

"If the directive is to be effective for all women, it must take account of needs of particularly vulnerable groups. Particular attention should be given to ethnic and/or cultural minorities, migrant women, those with an irregular administrative situation, and refugees fleeing war. Such groups may face greater difficulty or discrimination in accessing help and support. Specific attention should also be given to women with disabilities as they are at greater risk of violence on account of their disability."