Statement by Congress Spokesperson on Gender Equality, Ms Rena Dourou, Greece (SOC, R) on the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (25 November):
Guaranteeing a life free from violence to all women is not the battle of one International Day. We must fight for women's rights and against gender-based violence 365 days a year. We must fight for public awareness-raising campaigns about the various forms of violence against women. Let's not forget Maya Angelou’s words: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.
It is our mission and our duty as elected representatives to fight for making our cities and our regions places that are free of gender-based violence. Safe places for women and girls. Places where “gender equality and the full, equal and effective participation of women in public and private decision-making processes are essential to the rule of law, democracy and sustainable development”, according to the 4th Reykjavík Summit Declaration of the Council of Europe.
Making all cities and regions free from gender-based violence is not an easy task. The Congress is committed to eliminating this form of violence, in line with the Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023 of the Council of Europe, by developing the instruments needed to help local and regional authorities in order for them to act in three fields simultaneously: prevention, protection of victims and provision of services. This includes establishing, at local level, helplines, shelters, counseling services, and legal aid to assist women who have experienced violence. Ensuring that survivors have access to these services empowers them to seek help and escape abusive situations. - We still have a long way to go but we are committed to make it happen.”
