International day for the elimination of violence against women: Uniting for a safer world in 2023

Today, November 25 marks the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

Despite significant progress in various aspects of society, a harsh reality persists — violence against women continues to plague communities around the world. Shockingly, 736 million women, equivalent to one in three, endure the devastating effects of physical or sexual violence.

The spectrum of this phenomenon is broad and deeply disturbing, ranging from domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and rapes to trafficking and femicides.

The issue infiltrates workplaces as well, manifested in derogatory comments, offensive jokes, unwanted physical contact, discrimination, bullying, and relentless harassment.

Amidst this terrifying reality, statistics reveal a stark truth: a mere 5% of global government assistance is allocated towards addressing this pervasive issue, with less than 0.2% dedicated to preventive measures.

The European Union has taken important steps in combating violence against women, notably evidenced by its recent accession to the Istanbul Convention. Without a doubt, this development underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering a safer environment for women across its member states.

However, the EU only adopted the Convention’s provisions that fall within the limits of its competences. The responsibility for implementation of the rest lies with individual Member States, which is deeply problematic since not all of them have ratified it. This situation leaves a critical gap in the comprehensive enforcement of measures designed to protect women from violence.

Hence, while the EU’s accession to the Istanbul Convention is a positive stride, continued efforts are essential to ensure uniform commitment and implementation across all member states.

On March 8 2022, the European Commission proposed a new directive on combatting violence against women and domestic violence, aiming to ensure a minimum level of protection against gender-based violence. The proposed directive is expected to work complementarily with the Istanbul Convention, reinforcing the EU’s commitment to addressing and preventing violence against women.

Today, on the annual International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the European independent trade unions are amplifying their voices to articulate three crucial demands aimed at combatting this deplorable phenomenon.

Invest:

The urgent need to allocate funds for education, outreach, and support services takes centre stage in the fight against violence directed at women. By investing in preventative measures, societies can create a robust framework that mitigates the risk of violence and supports survivors on their path to healing.

Legislate:

Enacting and enforcing laws that explicitly define and penalise various forms of violence is a pivotal step towards legal protection for victims. Strengthening the legal apparatus will serve as a deterrent and send a clear message that society will not tolerate any form of violence against women.

Protect:

Establishing and fortifying support systems and programmes is paramount to ensuring the safety and well-being of women who have experienced violence. By creating networks of resources and assistance, survivors can find refuge and support on their journey towards reclaiming their lives.

The time for change is now. The call to stand together against violence is not exclusive to women alone; it resonates with men and women alike, advocating for a fairer and safer world.