» We’ve learned that there is zero desire to talk about women’s rights in this country. We could go out and take to the streets, or we could harness EU legislation. We see ourselves as Poles and Europeans; we just want the same rights as the rest of the women in Europe. «
(2017)
BARBARA NOWACKA
(PL, 1975)
… is a politician (TR). In response to the threat of a total abortion ban in Poland, she stepped up to become the leading figure in the powerful CZARNY PROTEST pro-choice movement in 2016. In 2017, as chair of RATUJMY KOBIETY, she proposed a bill to liberalize the relevant legislation, however this was rejected by the Sejm.
» Today, [we challenge] Europe to ratify, implement and invest in the Istanbul Convention, and to recognize and draw on the expertise of women’s organizations. Violence against women and girls happens every day, everywhere. It’s a European problem that requires a European solution.«
(2017)
ILIANA BALABANOVA
(BG)
… is an expert in gender equality and president of the Bulgarian platform of the EUROPEAN WOMEN’S LOBBY (EWL).
My body my choice!
Slogan of the pro-choice movement
for the right of reproductive self-determination
In 2013, as rapporteur for the FEMM Committee, Edite Estrela presented a non-binding resolution proposal on sexual and reproductive health to the European Parliament.
She called for the right to the safe and legal termination of pregnancy as well as obligatory and non-discriminatory sex education in schools. The motion was denied.
Addendum: On 1 June 2023, the Council of the European Union approved the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. In addition, on February 6, 2024, Commission, Parliament and Council came to a political agreement concerning the EU’s directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence. Its passage in the last session of the European Parliament’s legislative term, on April 23.04.2024 means that the directive can now enter into force.
In consequence, the topic of abortion continues to be handled very differently from a legal perspective across the EU: while it is not subject to prosecution under certain conditions in Germany despite it being prohibited, extremely restrictive regulations are in place in Poland, and there is an outright ban in Malta. Even in countries where abortion is legally allowed, there are often significant hurdles that first have to be overcome.
» [It is] of central importance that the European Parliament defends its fundamental values […]. In the name of human rights, abortions must be offered as a legal and safe option. In every country where abortion is treated as a crime, women are risking their lives by having them in secret […].«
(2013)
EDITE ESTRELA
(PT, 1949)
… is a philologist and politician (PS). From 2004 to 2014 she was an MEP and, among other things, member of the COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND GENDER EQUALITY (FEMM) on behalf of her political group (S&D).
Percentage of women (age: 18-74 years),
who have experienced physical or sexual violence in adulthood
»We claim to fight for equality and human rights, for women’s rights, but we’re not even able to create a working environment within our own institutions and societies where women can feel safe and equal. That’s completely absurd. «
(2017)
THERESA » TERRY « REINTKE
(DE, 1987)
… is a politician (ALLIANCE 90/ THE GREENS). Since 2014, she has been an MEP and, among other things, member of the COMMITTEE ON CIVIL LIBERTIES, JUSTICE AND HOME AFFAIRS on behalf of her political group (Greens/EFA), for which she is also vice chair. Against the backdrop of the international #MeToo debate, she joined others in campaigning against sexual harassment and violence in the European Parliament. #MeTooEP
Non.No.Nein.
Say No!
Stop Violence
Against Women
EU campaign aimed at preventing violence against women and girls
Violence against women and girls is a problem in all countries and all walks of life. It’s one of the most common human rights violations of our time.
The European Commission has introduced various directives and campaigns to combat sexualized violence and human trafficking, besides trying to protect and support victims better.
In June 2017, the EU also signed the Istanbul Convention. The Convention On Preventing And Combating Violence Against Women And Domestic Violence sends a strong political signal. Yet up until the start of 2020, the Council of Ministers had still not managed to come to an agreement on ratifying the convention and making it obligatory for all member states.
* Der Europarat ist eine eigenständige internationale Organisation, die seit 1949 besteht. Er hat 47 Mitgliedstaaten, darunter alle EU-Länder. Seine Arbeitsschwerpunkte liegen in den Bereichen Menschenrechte, Demokratie und Rechtsstaatlichkeit.
» I find it extremely difficult to comprehend the resistance to [the Istanbul Convention]. There might be a difference of opinion in terms of exact wording, but when you look at the statistics and see that every third woman is the victim of gender-related violence, how can you not say: ›OK, let’s take the next step and allow the European Union to ratify this convention‹?«
(2019)
HELENA DALLI
(MT, 1962)
… is a politician (PL). She has been the EU Commissioner for the EQUALITY portfolio since 2019.
