The Executive Director of the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) and the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) signed a pivotal joint declaration today on the sidelines of the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York. The declaration reaffirms the two institutions’ shared and unwavering commitment to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls across the globe.
At its June plenary session, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) became the first EU body to formally endorse the Declaration of principles for a gender-equal society, backing the European Commission’s Roadmap for Women’s Rights. This move sends a clear signal that urgent, concrete action is needed to close persistent gender gaps.
Despite progress in gender equality, millions of women across Europe still face violence, discrimination and barriers to equal opportunities. From under-representation in leadership to the alarming rise in gender-based violence, urgent action is needed. The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) High-Level Forum on Women’s Rights brought together leading voices to address these pressing issues and outline key priorities ahead of the upcoming UN Commission on the Status of Women session.
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.
This year the UNCSW, the UN’s top annual meeting on gender equality, will focus on ending women’s poverty. During its inaugural participation in the event, the EESC will contribute to the theme with a declaration comprising ten action points for the economic empowerment and social protection of women
In Europe's rural communities, the silent struggle for equality and opportunity for young women is still ongoing. On 22 November, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) held a debate on gender equality and youth in rural areas during the meeting of its Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment. The event is in line with the EESC's commitment to the Rural Pact and the European Gender Equality Week.
Marking the International Day for the elimination of violence against women on 25 November, EESC member José Antonio Moreno Díaz, rapporteur for the opinion SOC/726 Combatting violence against women, believes that violence against women and girls is a tragedy that is sweeping Europe.
