At its July plenary, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) debated the Commission's draft directive on tackling gender-based violence and gender equality with Cristina Fabre of the European Institute for Gender Equality.

In recent years, the European Union has stepped up its efforts to promote and mainstream gender equality and women's empowerment. Despite these efforts, violence against women remains the most common human rights violation across Europe, with one third of all women being victims of violence.

Opening the debate, EESC President Christa Schweng stated that "As the voice of civil society, the EESC is committed to a more gender-equal society and to achieving a Union free of violence against women and girls."

Cristina Fabre, of the European Institute for Gender Equality, mentioned the economic impact of inequalities: "Promoting gender equality improves our economy. GDP per capita has the potential to rise from 6.9% to 9.6% if we ensure equal rights for women and girls."

José Antonio Moreno Diaz, rapporteur for the opinion on the recent proposal for a directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence, discussed how the EU can combat this epidemic of violence against women: "Violence against women is a violation of human rights, therefore we call for its inclusion in the list of EU crimes under Article 83(1) of the TFEU". The Committee argues that social problems are not solved purely through the court system and that punishment should not be the sole means of action. "We need to ensure victims' access to healthcare services, including sexual and reproductive health services", explained the co-rapporteur Ody Neisingh, " Fix the system, not the women."

At the request of the Czech Presidency, a separate opinion on gender equality was also adopted during this plenary. The EESC rapporteur, Milena Angelova, stated that that gender equality requires recognition, ownership, and constant commitment by all stakeholders in society. "We must build a life-long gender equality culture, encompassing all stages and areas of life", said Ms Angelova. (gb)