UWE
Women's
Rights
The European Women’s Lobby The European Women’s Lobby (EWL) is the largest umbrella organisation of women’s associations in the European Union (EU). The EWL Secretariat is based in Brussels, but EWL has member organisations in 23 Member States of the EU and 2 countries that are in the process of becoming members of the EU. The European Women’s Lobby aims at promoting women’s rights and equality between women and men in the European Union. EWL is active in different areas such as women’s economic and social position, women in decision-making, violence against women, women’s diversity etc. EWL works mainly with the institutions of the European Union: the European Parliament, the European Commission and the EU Council of Ministers.
Useful Links and Information:
Roadmap on Gender Equality The European Women's Lobby has defined six main themes with Strategic Objectives and concrete actions to be undertaken by the European Commission between 2006 and 2010. These themes are partly inspired by the Strategic Objectives of the United Nations Beijing Platform for Action (1995). Resources
European Year of Equal Opportunities for All 2007 has been designated the European Year of Equal Opportunities for All. The European Year of Equal Opportunities for All will seek to make people in the EU more aware of their rights to enjoy equal treatment and a life free of discrimination. For the "Intervention during closing event" by the EWL President, click here. For general information on this projects, a flyer is available online or visit the official website. Ending Violence Against Women 2-3 June, Ending Violence Against Women; Prevention, intervention and systems change
Council of Europe Independent, non-governmental organisations are a vital component of European society, guaranteeing freedom of expression and association, both of which are fundamental to democracy. Recognising their influence, the Council of Europe provides international non-governmental organisations (INGOs) with the opportunity to acquire participatory status. Currently around 395 INGOs enjoy this status, including UWE. Four times a year there is a conference for INGOs in Strasbourg.
Within the Council of Europe there is currently a lobby action from the Women Against Violence Europe - WAVE. WAVE has issued a lobbying paper on the Council of Europe Campaign to combat violence against women, including domestic violence. To reach the U.N. Millennium Development Goals, a lot of effort is still needed. Click here for information on the 8 Millennium Development Goals and on microcredits. The Council of Europe has published a report called "Prostitution - Which stance to take?" Information on the "Convention on Action against trafficking in Human Beings" by Anuschka Bakker. ATHENA RECON Project and WIDE CEDAW The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women. Consisting of a preamble and 30 articles, it defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination. The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field." By accepting the Convention, States commit themselves to undertake a series of measures to end discrimination against women in all forms, including:
The Convention provides the basis for realizing equality between women and men through ensuring women's equal access to, and equal opportunities in, political and public life -- including the right to vote and to stand for election -- as well as education, health and employment. States parties agree to take all appropriate measures, including legislation and temporary special measures, so that women can enjoy all their human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Convention is the only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and family relations. It affirms women's rights to acquire, change or retain their nationality and the nationality of their children. States parties also agree to take appropriate measures against all forms of traffic in women and exploitation of women. Countries that have ratified or acceded to the Convention are legally bound to put its provisions into practice. They are also committed to submit national reports, at least every four years, on measures they have taken to comply with their treaty obligations. For more information see: www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/index.html ONGO |
UWE Newsletters / Bulletin d'informations
Women's Rights
- European Women's Lobby
- Council of Europe
- CEDAW
