EESC hails European Parliament's historic vote on combating gender violence, reiterates commitment to advancing women's rights

Ten percent of women live in dire poverty. One in three women face violence. With a growing backlash against women's rights, unwavering commitment from both institutions and civil society is vital. A debate at the EESC plenary session underscored the need to keep up support for the fight for gender equality.

On 25 April, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a high-level debate on the conclusions of the 68th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW68). The CSW is the world's top international forum for assessing progress on achieving gender equality, and this year it focused on women's poverty.

The session took place in March in New York, and the EESC was present for the first time as part of the EU delegation and as the voice of European civil society. Its participation built upon its long-standing work of advocating for EU and global policies that advance gender equality and address the economic and social inequality with which women and girls are still struggling.

The EESC contributed to UNCSW68 with a declaration on A gender lens on poverty, comprising 10 action points for the economic empowerment and social protection of women.

"We highlighted that poverty is not gender-neutral, so our response to it cannot be either. Violence committed against women has an impact on women's risk of poverty and their ability to participate on an equal basis in the labour market. I can therefore only welcome yesterday's final vote in the European Parliament on the first ever directive to protect women against violence and domestic violence at European level," said EESC president Oliver Röpke.

Commitment and dedication on the part of both EU institutions and civil society is crucial for the continued empowerment of women and girls. Coordinated action is needed to keep pushing for the implementation of the CSW recommendations, as well as for important EU legislation, said Lanfranco Fanti, member of the cabinet of the Commissioner for Equality, Helena Dalli.

“It is clear that the EESC is taking its commitment to gender equality very seriously. We are fully aware of the Committee’s role in promoting European initiatives in the field of gender equality, diversity and inclusion at national and local levels through its members, and in shaping EU initiatives through its opinions,” said Mr Fanti.

Concerted action at all levels achieved a number of milestones during this Commission's term of office, such as the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Care Strategy.

With the European elections and a new European Commission coming up quickly, continued institutional support will be paramount. Some of the EU's top organisations championing gender equality took part in the EESC plenary session debate, and called for an EU Council formation on gender equality, an EU coordinator on violence against women and a renewed mandate for the Commissioner on Equality.

Florence Raes, director of UN Women Brussels, said that despite real progress on equality, women’s rights were being undermined to an unprecedented extent. It was imperative to emphasise gender equality as there was a growing danger that it could be knocked off the list of priorities: "We need to accelerate progress on women's rights in the EU and beyond. Alliances are important, and we need political support from the EU."

According to UN figures, 10% of women live in extreme poverty and the Sustainable Development Goals will not be achieved unless we pick up the pace on eradicating poverty.

"Never forget that poverty is also related to multiple forms of discrimination. Being a woman and a member of a minority group means that you will struggle. We have to remember that equality is not enough anymore: equality needs intersectionality," said Ilaria Todde, advocacy director of the Eurocentralasian Lesbian Community.

"Tackling the root causes of women’s poverty globally is crucial for women’s full and effective participation in all areas of life," said Mary Collins, director of the European Women's Lobby.

"Violence against women is deeply rooted in patriarchal systems throughout the world. Today we applaud the adoption of the first ever EU Directive on violence against women and domestic violence. Together, we will advocate for the CEDAW Optional Protocol on violence against women and make it a historic moment at CSW 2025, which marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action," stressed Ms Collins.

The 69th UNCSW session will take place in New York in March 2025, and focus on reviewing and appraising the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. 30 years after it was adopted, the Beijing Declaration is still considered the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing women's rights.

"Together with other civil society representatives, NGOs and stakeholders, we need to have a common platform and presence at the UNCSW. Together, we can have a stronger voice and our demands can be heard! Together, we can work towards a collective and shared goal: a more equal Europe, a more equal world!" concluded Mr Röpke.