Statement of the President of the Committee of the Regions on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

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On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro, called on Member States to redouble their efforts to stop all forms of gender-based violence and build on the role and capacity of local and regional authorities to reinforce the protection of women.​

"Gender equality is a fundamental value of the European Union, but the rights of women and girls are still the most harmed. While the number of women, in the EU and the world, affected by different forms of violence remains unacceptably high, many local and regional authorities everywhere across the Union are working tirelessly to provide programmes and policies to not only respond to the needs of victims, but also to tackle the root causes of this shameful reality.

"Ensuring that victims are protected by law enforcement, cared for by regional and local social and medical and health services, provided with safe housing or improving gender equality in the workplace and addressing harmful cultural and societal constructs, for example by investing in education and awareness raising – these are just some of the examples of actions that are implemented in cities and regions and that have yielded results.

"On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, on behalf of the European Committee of the Regions, I want to reiterate the message that we need to do more, and at all levels. Cities and regions have played their part, but stand ready to do more.

"We need to do more to prevent so many women and girls being harmed and affected in their security and dignity. We need to do more to put in place accessible, survivor-centred reporting systems, such as helplines and confidential advisors, and to ensure access to secure and comprehensive support services for victims of gender-based violence, including shelters. We can do more by improving urban design and transport planning, and by informing victims about their rights. We can do more by considering women's safety and needs when adopting budget measures.

"Regions and cities are committed to building a better future where everyone can live free from violence and discrimination."

Note to the editors:

The European Committee of the Regions will adopt an opinion "Stopping gender-based violence - cities and regions leading the way", by rapporteur Donatella PORZI (IT/RENEW E.) at the next Plenary, on 29 November 2023.

Contacts:

Monica Tiberi

President's spokesperson, European Committee of the Regions,

Mobile: +32 479 51 74 43

monica.tiberi@cor.europa.eu