Joining forces for 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence
I Take My Hat Off Campaign
From 25th November to 10th December, to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the Delegation of the European Union to the Council of Europe proudly joins the #ITakeMyHatOff Campaign. This initiative, launched by the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations in Geneva in collaboration with UN Women, honours all women and girls around the world who survived violence, and those who stand up, speak out and work tirelessly to end violence against women and girls.
The EU Delegation to the Council of Europe, asked the Permanent Representatives to the Council of Europe to shoot videos in which they “took their hat off” to recognise the courage and resilience of survivors and advocates worldwide. You can view the inspiring videos featuring various ambassadors from permanent representations to the Council of Europe participating in this campaign, below and in our social media.
EU Statement - International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women
In addition to this campaign, on 19 November 2024, ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November, the European Union delivered a statement at the Council of Europe 1512th meeting of Ministers' Deputies. The European Union reaffirmed its “commitment to the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls” and the pioneering role of the Council of Europe and the Istanbul Convention. Moreover, the European Union highlighted its accession to the Istanbul Convention and the adoption of the first-ever European Union Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence.
Participation in public events with the civil society
On the actual International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the EU Ambassador Vesna Kos opened a debate organised by the European Parliamentary Association and the City of Strasbourg. The discussion addressed the critical question: What can Europe do to protect women from violence? The EU Ambassador highlighted the European Union's significant accession to the Istanbul Convention, which marked a turning point in the institution's efforts to combat gender-based violence.
Furthermore, on 29 November, Ambassador Kos took part in a panel discussion at the “Assises européennes de lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes”, organised by the city of Strasbourg. This panel explored what Europe, its institutions, its legalisation and its actors do to address gender-based violence.
For more information about the Istanbul Convention and the EU’s accession to this convention, check out our video.
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